Assam Political, ebruary 2008

Posted by buraluit on May 14, 2009

Pulakesh Baruah granted bail

Pulakesh
Baruah granted bail(AST_16_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 15 – The Gauhati High ourt today granted bail to former
Assam Assembly Speaker Pulakesh Baruah. After hearing the bail application No.
551/08 by an order dated February 15, 2008, allowed Baruah to go on bail in
connection with Nalbari PS Case No. 238/06.
Baruah was arrested on February 8 in connection with Nalbari PS case which was
registered as per the order passed by the Gauhati High Court to investigate the
case of illegal selection of teachers in the district of Nalbari.
…more…

Central team reviews State
security(AST_16_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 15 — State Government today presented a rosy picture of
the security scenario before the high-level team of the Union Government led by
the Cabinet Secretary. According to sources, the Army and paramilitary forces
operating in the State also corroborated the claims of the State Government in
this respect.
The Union team, which also included the Special Secretary to the Home Ministry,
held a meeting to review the security-related situation in the State with the
senior officials of the State Government for about two hours. The State
Government officials included the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and other
senior officials of the Home Department.
…more…

Derision of Opp
condemned(AST_18_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – Reacting to the remarks of a People’s Consultative
Group (PCG) member made in connection to the role of the Opposition in the
matter of arrest of Lachit Bordoloi, State BJP president Ramen Deka on Sunday
regretted the comments observing that no one had the right to use
“unparliamentary” words for the opposition. It may be mentioned here that senior
advocate and member of PCG Arup Borbora had recently derided the Opposition in a
meet organized by the Manab Adhikar Sangram Samity (MASS) using certain words,
which have irked the State BJP leadership. “We strongly condemn derision of the
Opposition,” said Deka adding that the Opposition knew its responsibility and no
reminder in the form of derogatory words was necessary.
…more…

State BJP to evolve strategy
for parliamentary elections(AST_18_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – The State office bearers meeting, State executive
meeting and the State Council meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam
Pradesh which concluded on February 16 decided to evolve a strategy for the
parliamentary elections and to resist the Congress.
According to party sources, the three-day meet discussed at length the Panchayat
polls and the performance of the BJP. The member of the party agreed that the
ruling Congress inspite of manipulating the administrative machinery had failed
to keep the seats gained in 2001, which reflected the people’s displeasure with
the Congress. …more…

A musical
evening to remember(AST_18_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 17 – The good old years of Assamese music were relived,
thanks to Smritir Ekhila Pat – a musical programme with a difference – held at
the Rabindra Bhawan on Saturday evening.
Organised by Nemcare Hospital and Apex Diagnostics in memory of artiste Partha
Pratim Choudhury and Dr Dhirendra Nath Das, the programme saw several
artiste-doctors entertain and enthrall the audience with their soul-stirring
renditions.
The felicitation programme though began on a solemn note with tributes paid to
noted physicist Dr Nalini Kanta Sarma who passed away on February 14 and was to
be honoured on the occasion. Besides, eminent litterateur Padma Barkatoki could
not attend the function due to ill health. Veteran music director Ramen Baruah
was felicitated on the occasion.
…more…

Panchayat poll result
challenged(AST_18_2_k8)
DALGAON, Feb 17 – The court of Panchayat Election Tribunal, Darrang has
issued a notice to the State Election Commission, Assam and the deputy
commissioner, Darrang-cum-district returning officer, Darrang to show cause as
to why the petition of Saleha Khatun, a candidate for the post of president of
no. 62 Baruajhar GP under Dalgaon LAC, shall not be allowed.
…more…

VDP foundation day observed at
Sipajhar(AST_18_2_k8)
SIPAJHAR, Feb 17 – Along with the rest of the State, the 59th Village
Defence party (VDP) day was observed at Sipajhar under the auspices of Sipajhar
police station advisory sammittee of VDP with a day-long programme.
The programme started lighting of lamp by OC, Sipajhar police station Jatindra
Nath Saikia, followed flag-hoisting by Puspadhar Baruah, president, Community
Liasion Group, Sipajhar. Sapling was planted by Bhushan Ch Borah, secretary,
Sipakhar GP. The open meet held under the presidentship of Binoy Ranjan Sarma
was inaugurated by Kanak Ch Deka, principal, Sipajhar College.
Advisor All Assam Village Defence Organisation Abu Tahar Ali Bepari attended as
chief guest while Kami Ram Nath and Abdul Aziz addressed as appointed speakers.
…more…

Raising Day of 172 Field
Regiment(AST_18_2_k8)
From Our Correspondent
UDALGURI, Feb 17 – The 172 Field Regiment under Red Horns Division of Indian
Army on Friday observed its 42nd raising day at its Bornagaon camp here with a
day-long programme.
Programme got underway with morning prayer followed by special ‘Sainik Sanmilan’.
…more…

BJP to adopt Hindutva in LS polls
GUWAHATI, Feb 17: The Asom unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
has decided to adopt the “Hindutva” mantra to face the ensuing Lok Sabha
elections, to counter the duel threat of the ISI-jehadi design in the State and
the activities of the AUDF on communal lines. This was stated by BJP’s State
unit president Ramen Deka while briefing the press today about the outcome of
the State council meeting of the party here today.
…more…

BJP,
AGP set to rock Parliament
(SEN_18_2_k8)

GUWAHATI, Feb 17: Asom BJP president Ramen Deka told
newsmen in the city recently that his party would raise the issue of the ULFA-State
Government nexus during the Budget session in Parliament and demand a joint
parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into it.
People’s Consultative Group (PCG) member Hiranya Saikia revealed that he had
shared with the Chief Minister and the Health Minister whatever he had discussed
with ULFA ‘c-in-c’ Paresh Baruah. Saikia further revealed that, on behalf of the
State Government, IGP (SB) Khagen Sarma had approached him to persuade the ULFA
to withdraw its call to boycott the 33rd National Games.
…more…

CM’s
copter expenditure in 506 days of 2nd term is Rs 1.02 crore
(SEN_18_2_k8)

GUWAHATI, Feb 17: In 506 days during his second term as the Chief Minister of
the State from May 17, 2006 to November 30, 2007, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi
travelled as many as 69 days in helicopters spending about Rs 1.02 crore. There
is nothing unusual in this, but, according to data available with The Sentinel,
the Chief Minister even availed helicopter services for travel to places that
are within 120 km from the State capital. Since the fiscal health of the State
is ailing, cost cutting measures should be taken at all levels of the State
administration. A rupee saved can directly be spent for the development of the
State. …more…

Attack on me was instigated
by Gowala: Tanti (SEN_18_2_k8)

DIBRUGARH, Feb 17: “The attack on me by agitated labourers of the Doomor
Dullong Tea Estate of the Assam Company on February 11 was actually instigated
by Prahlad Gowala, president, Assam Tea Tribes Students’ Association (ATTSA)”,
alleged Lakheswar Tanti, secretary, Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS), Moran
branch today.
Tanti, who has been recuperating at a local nursing home here, stated that the
ATTSA leadership has failed miserably to control its members. The details of the
meeting convened by the ACMS on February 6 and February 8 to discuss the lockout
issue of Doomor Dullong Tea Estate was conveyed to the ATTSA president, but
unfortunately Gowala issued a statement to the press without any inquiry.
…more…

Bike ‘stolen’ by GP
president recovered
(SEN_18_2_k8)

PATHSALA, Feb 17: The newly-elected panchayat president of
the 113 No. Chauliabori GP under Bhabanipur LAC in Barpeta district, Majibar
Hussain from the Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) is absconding after being
accused of lifting a motorbike.
According to sources, led by officer-in-charge of Sarupeta PS recovered a stolen
bike (AS-01-6529) on February 11 from the house of one Hasen Ali in Chauliabori
village. According to Hasen Ali, the bike was left there by Majibar Hussain,
Malam Ali, Taibor Ali and Kiyamat Ali, since a long time before the panchayat
election, who allegedly left the bike during night making different excuses and
took it in the morning. …more…

Dibrugarh Bar Association debars lawyer
(SEN_18_2_k8)

DIBRUGARH, Feb 17: Dibrugarh Bar Association for the first time in its 110 years
of existence, debarred a young upcoming lawyer, D Gogoi for seven days from his
professional duty on charges of violating professional ethics.
…more…

Bandh
hits life in State(AST_20_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 19 – The 12-hour Assam bandh called by the United
Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to protest the detention of human rights
activist and member of the People’s Consultative Group Lachit Bordoloi, and
recent encounter deaths, passed off peacefully. In Guwahati shops, educational
institutes, business offices and transport services all were affected by the
bandh, with skeletal presence of employees in the Government offices. While city
buses did not ply, some private vehicles were seen on the city roads. Bus
services resumed from around 3-30 pm.
…more…

Bandh defied in
city(AST_20_2_k8)
By A City Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Feb 19 – Today’s 12-hour Assam bandh called by the proscribed United
Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) demanding unconditional release of PCG member
Lachit Bordoloi paralysed normal life but evoked strong reaction from a section
of citizens who came out in protest against the banned outfit. Already vexed by
the bandh culture, which has become a bane in the social life of the State,
citizens in the capital city took part in a rally to register their disapproval
of the bandh given by an organisation, which claims to have no faith in the
Indian constitution and democracy.
Citizens who were a part of the rally voiced their displeasure at the banned
outfit calling the bandh at a time when different exams were going on. “At a
time when the young generation is dreaming of their career and busy with exams,
the bandh called by the ULFA merely shows its selfishness,” said a participant.
…more…

40 hurt in police-public
clash(AST_20_2_k8)
HAILAKANDI, Feb 19 – Around 40 people including 15 policemen were
injured last night when a mob gheraoed the Lala police station, 17 km from
Hailakandi town. The members of Meira Paibi and Manipuri League were demanding
the arrest of the culprits who beat up the working president of Manipuri League,
advocate Bikramjit Singha.
It may be mentioned here that Bikramjit was attacked and beaten up mercilessly
by two persons, one of them is the son of Samarjit Singha, chairman of Lala Town
Committee, on the night of Friday when he was returning from the Hailakandi SS
College counting centre. The Meira Paibi and Manipuri League gave 24 hours
ultimatum to the police for arresting the culprits but after the period was over
last night, they gathered in the Lala Police Station to enquire into the matter.
They damaged the police station and also beat up 15 policemen including the
Officer-in-Charge. Police resorted to lathicharge and later blank fired to
disperse the public. Atleast 25 people have been injured, some of them
seriously. …more…

Centre urged to hold talks
with ULFA(NPT,
20-2-08)

Guwahati, Feb 17 (IANS):: A plea for peace talks between
the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the government has been
made even though major reverses were faced by the rebel group in recent weeks.
"We call upon both the ULFA and the government to start peace talks without any
preconditions for the greater interest of Assam and its people," Dhrupad
Borgohain, Secretary of the Communist Party of India’s Assam State Council,
said. Borgohain said: "Repressive measures will prove to be counter-productive
and that may plunge the state into chaos."The possibility of the authorities
concerned taking a fresh look at starting peace dialogue with the ULFA started
doing the rounds after Friday’s visit to capital Guwahati by a high-level
central team headed by cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar.
…more…

AUDF to move HC demanding
Government to make Tiwari Commission report
public (SEN_20_2_k8)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 19: Asom Government’s dilly-dallying tactics in providing
information sought about the TD Tiwari Commission report under the Right to
Information (RTI) Act makes one wonder if the report is missing. The then
Congress Government in the State led by Hiteswar Saikia had instituted the TD
Tiwari Commission to inquire into the February 18, 1983 massacre at Nellie under
Jagiroad police station in Morigaon district.
…more…

Ajmal
may campaign for NCP in M’laya(SEN_20_2_k8)

GUWAHATI, Feb 19: The Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) seems to be
spreading its units to other north-eastern States. The party might have failed
to field its candidates in the Meghalaya Assembly election, but its president
Badruddin Ajmal, widely known as perfume baron, is likely to campaign in the
Meghalaya Assembly elections for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Ajmal is likely to campaign in the plain belts of Garo Hills where there are
pockets of Muslim voters. This was confirmed by the AUDF unit at Hatsingimari in
Dhubri district when contacted by The Sentinel.
…more…

Anamika gets rousing welcome despite bandh(SEN_20_2_k8)

JORHAT, Feb 19: In spite of the 12-hour bandh called by the United Liberation
Front of Asom (ULFA), thousands lined the roads of Jorhat from 3 pm onwards to
give a rousing welcome to Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs finalist Anamika Choudhury
of Mariani who landed at the Rowriah Airport here today on a two-day visit to
her home town.
The crowds were getting slightly restive when the Air India flight landed at the
airport at 5 pm almost two hours late. The plane, which comes from Kolkata via
Shillong was held at Shillong due to inclement weather.
…more…

Congress wooing
independents in a bid to form Karimganj ZP(SEN_20_2_k8)

Akhil Ranjan Talukdar, Mantaj Ali in the race
KARIMGANJ, Feb 19: It has now become almost clear that the Congress is going
to form the Karimganj Zila Parishad by inducting some of the independent winning
candidates into the party’s fold. In the election, Congress won 8 seats, Assam
United Democratic Front (AUDF) bagged 4 seats while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
bagged one.
According to sources, in the district, two winning candidates of the Congress
are very much in the presidential race for Karimganj ZP. They are Akhil Ranjan
Talukdar from Bhairabnagar ZPC, who had contested the last Assembly election
from Ratabari SC constituency, but had lost. The other aspirant is Mantaj Ali,
who won from the Alipur ZPC, and has been in panchayat politics for more than
three decades. …more…

Nagaon round-up
HYCP submits memo to CM and Governor(SEN_20_2_k8)

NAGAON, Feb 19: Demanding release of Mahendra Konwar
Adviser of the Hindu Yuva Chatra Parishad (HYCP) Asom, who was arrested by the
police recently on false ground. The Yuva Chatra Parishad members has taken out
a rally where more than one thousand Parishad activists took part in the
proccession which was led by Brajen Kakoti and Balen Baishya, president and
secretary respectively of the State Committee. Later on they submitted
memorandums to the Governor of Asom and the Chief Minister to look in to the
matter personally and to advise the District Civil and Police Administration to
release Konwar immediately.
…more…

Anundoram
Borooah Award distributed(SEN_20_2_k8)

NAGAON, Feb 19: The Anundoram Borooah Award was distributed
to the meritorious students who had secured first division in the HSLC
examination in the year 2007 under the presidentship of Dr J Balaji, Deputy
Commissioner Nagaon recently.
…more…

‘Sonrise’
in Assam politics(TEL, 20-2-08)

Mahanta’s
17-year-old son spews talks gospel (TEL, 20-2-08)

Guwahati, Feb. 19: He cannot vote, legally drive or even join
his father’s party. But there’s no stopping Shyamanta Kashyap’s political genes
from speaking. The 17-year-old son of Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, the youngest in
the country to become chief minister of a state, today announced his arrival at
a news conference with an appeal to the Tarun Gogoi government to revive the
Ulfa peace process within April 7, the day the outfit was born in 1979.
…more…

Mahanta offers to be a
grassroots AGP worker(SEN_21_2_k8)

GUWAHATI, Feb 20: Former Asom Chief Minister and AGP-P
president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today said he is ready to be a grassroots-level
worker of the AGP in the interest of a united regional force that can topple the
Congress from power in the State. This announcement from Mahanta came close on
the heels of a number of AGP leaders expressing their feelings that only a
united AGP can defeat the Congress in the State, after the Congress’ win yet
again in the panchayat polls.
…more…

Govt
guilty of ‘disobeying’ HC order: Barpeta Citizens’ Forum(SEN_21_2_k8)

BARPETA, Feb 20: The Asom Government has deprived the voters of Barpeta by
not holding the municipal elections in the town, and has neglected the demands
of the denizens of Barpeta.
This was stated at a press meet by the Barpeta Citizens’ Forum (BCF) held
recently at Barpeta. Stating in very clear terms that the BCF will file a case
against the State Government for allegedly “disobeying” the High Court’s order.
…more…

Attack on scribes condemned(AST,
22-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 21-The Sangbadik Suraksha Parishad, Assam on Thursday
condemned the attack on scribes Rajen Das and M Saifuddin Ahmed by medicos at
Pathshala.
The Parishad said that attack by doctors who were associated with a humane
profession was regrettable and demanded stern action against the doctors.
…more…

Chilarai Divas(AST, 22-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 21 – The All Koch Rajbongshi Students Union (AKRSU)
observed the 498th birth anniversary of Chilarai centrally at Baska district on
Thursday. The function was held at Sukladwaj Khetra and began with flag hoisting
by AKRSU president Biswajit Rai.
…more…

Money snatched(AST, 22-2-08)
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 21 – Two unidentified motorcycle-borne youths snatched Rs 4.46
lakh from one Nakul Sarma near Christianbasti when the latter was coming out of
the Axis Bank branch there. A complaint has been lodged at Dispur police
station.

Anamika
takes Jorhat by storm(AST, 22-2-08)
From A Correspondent
JORHAT, Feb 21 – Five months back, when she left for Mumbai to contest at Zee
TV’s musical reality show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L’il Champs, Anamika Choudhury was a
regular schoolgirl with a penchant for singing. The “little poetess from Mariani”
has turned into an overnight sensation thanks to her qualification as one of the
three finalists in the talent hunt programme which enjoys top billing on air.
…more…

Landless farmers vs industrial
workers(SEN_22_2_k8)Land Policy
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 21: This question has been raised by the Purbanchal Nagarik Samity
(PNS), an apex body of various citizens’ fora of upper Asom. The PNS is of the
view that such a calculated step on the part of the State Government to deprive
the indigenous agricultural workers has been motivated by its desire to appease
the tea garden workers so as to get their support.
Even though Asom has 69 lakh acres of agricultural land and 1.35 lakh acres of
ceiling surplus land acquired till 1975, about 2.29 lakh agrarian families are
completely landless and homeless, while 1.8 lakh families are with less than
eight bighas of land and 2.86 lakh families are with less than five bighas of
land till September, 1969.
…more…

CM’s Budget assurance
on release of entertainment tax failed to see light of the day
Asomiya film industry gasping(SEN_22_2_k8)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 21: The Asomiya film industry is gasping for breath, and there is
none to rescue the industry. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had announced in his
2005-06 Budget speech that the entertainment tax would be refunded to the film
producers within three months. The funds allocated in the Budget for the refund
of the entertainment tax, however, was not released as the Finance Department
and the Department of Cultural Affairs spent the last two years only in
exchanging files between them, thanks to the red tape in the State bureaucracy.
…more…

Sonia joining campaign
trail
(SEN_22_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 21: All India Congress Committee (AICC) president and
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi is arriving in Asom on February 23 on his way to
Meghalaya where she will address election rallies at Jowai and Tura. With NCP
leader and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar campaigning for the NCP in
Meghalaya and BJP president Rajnath Singh arriving tomorrow, electioneering for
the March 3 Meghalaya Assembly polls has picked up its momentum.
…more…

Sangma’s sons: New faces in
Meghalaya politics(SEN_22_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 21: It is high time that the next generation is
prepared for talking up the reign of leadership. So thinks veteran Meghalaya
leader PA Sangma, ahead of the State Assembly election which is nearing fast.
According to him Meghalaya is facing an acute crisis of political leadership in
the State…more…

Nepotism in appointment
of officers alleged(SEN_22_2_k8)
TINSUKIA, Feb 21: Strong allegations have been levelled against the
process being adopted in the appointment of Lower Divisional Assistants (LDA) in
the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Sales Tax, Tinsukia.
It may be mentioned here that on February 10, a written test was held to fill up
the vacant LDA posts of the said office. On February 12, a list of 20 successful
candidates was released, while another list of four candidates was hung later at
the office. …more…

Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa’s Li’l Champs
Anamika rocks Jorhat(SEN_22_2_k8)
Jorhat MLA makes an ardent appeal to Jorhatians to create a record by
casting the largest number of votes from the district.
From a Correspondent
JORHAT, Feb 21: Following the frenzy and disruption of Anamika’s show at her
hometown Mariani, strong security arrangement helped contain an unruly crowd of
youths at the young singer’s performance at the court field here recently.
One of the finalists of ZEE TVs reality singing competition, Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa’s
Li’L Champs Anamika Choudhury was felicitated by 1000 organizations and
individuals here including Jorhat MLA Rana Goswami, the Jorhat Municipality
Board, Press Club, JDA, AJYCP, AASU, the District Administration, Jorhat Police
and also by her mentor. …more…

Mohilary to tie the knot
today(SEN_22_2_k8)
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 21: Preparations are in full swing for the grand
wedding ceremony of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama
Mohilary to be solemnized at Debargaon on February 22, sources added.
The Debargaon village is in a festive mood as the marriage is likely to be a
landmark event for the people of the BTC region. Guest houses and dinning halls
for the distinguished invitees have been almost completed with all required
amenities sponsored by Singhi Company Pvt Ltd, Bilasipara. The arrangements for
the reception of the brides party have also been completed. The BPF party
leaders, workers and colleagues of Mohilary are busy with the preparations for
the marriage. …more…
While speaking to The Sentinel, Mohilary said that noted Bollywood stars like
Johny

From well of anonymity to
immortality(TEL, 22-2-08)

Guwahati, Feb. 21: Anonymity hurts. Ask the wannabe artist who
begs his way into an exhibition of greats or the singer who croons in the back
row of a radio jingle chorus. For the hundreds of aspiring Zubeen Gargs and
Neelpawan Baruas who hone their art in dingy bylanes and die unheralded, the All
Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has an answer — an archive celebrating the lesser
known, the underdog and the quiet performer.
…more…

Chairs fly
in AUDF dissent(TEL, 22-2-08)

Guwahati, Feb. 21: An exasperated Badruddin Ajmal
may have threatened to dismantle the Assam United Democratic Front if his
workers did not behave, but that did not stop a general secretary from throwing
a chair at a party legislator during a meeting. The bickering, which began
before the panchayat elections, reached its peak after the results were
declared. …more…

NETV CMD
not target of firing: Government»(SEN_12_2_k8)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 11: The Asom Government today ordered an enquiry into the firing
on NETV CMD Manoranjana Singh in Rehabari area here. Additional Chief Secretary
Parul Devi Das will conduct the inquiry and submit the report within seven days.
Meanwhile, Asom Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma today said NETV
chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) Manoranjana Singh was not the target of the
firing at AK Azad Road at around 2.30 am yesterday when her car was being
searched by the police.
…more…

Shankardev
Sangh conference held»(SEN_12_2_k8)
GOLAGHAT, Feb 11: The 77th Srimanta Sankardev
Sangh Conference was held at Barpeta Namghar Sarupatiar, Golaghat recently.
The conference was inaugurated by MLA Vinod Gwala. In the occasion special books
like Bhakti Rath , Jotun Aakash Visari, Mahapurush Dujojar were released by
renowned personalities Dr Dhiren Kalita, Deepak Nath, and Karunakant Kalita. Sum
Ronghang from Karbi Anglong attended as special guest in the programme.

AGP leader
strangled in Nagaon(TEL_12_2_K8)

Nagaon, Feb. 11:
Unidentified persons strangled to death AGP leader Habib Ali at Birbazar in
Nagaon district late last night. According to Nagaon police, Ali left his
residence in Mourajar around 10pm last night after receiving a call from an
unidentified person. His body was found inside his vehicle, which was parked at
Birbazar, 10km from his residence.
…more…

Firing
probe(TEL_12_2_K8)

Guwahati, Feb. 11:
Dispur today asked additional chief secretary Parul Devi Das to conduct an
inquiry into the firing that took place at Rehabari on Saturday. The
chairman-cum-managing director of NE TV, Manoranjana Sinh, claimed that she was
the target of the firing. Government spokesperson Himanta Biswa Sarma said Das
was asked to submit her report in a week.

75%
turnout in Hailakandi repoll(AST_13_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – The first phase of repolling in Hailakandi
district of the ensuing Panchayat Elections today witnessed a turnout of around
70 percent, according to the State Election Commissioner CK Sharma. The poll
percentage at 5 pm had touched 65 per cent and voters were still waiting to cast
their votes in a large number of polling stations.
…more…

Culling in State to end
today(AST_13_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – The culling of poultry undertaken by the State
Veterinary Department as per the instruction of the Central Government in the
Assam-West Bengal border areas of Dhubri and Kokrajhar districts to prevent
spread of bird flu to the State, will be concluded tomorrow. The Department has
already achieved the target of culling 80,000 birds in these two districts.
…more…

Muster roll workers’ convention
tomorrow(AST_13_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – Sadou Asom Casual Fixed Pay Muster roll Karmachari
Samannayrakshi Samity, the platform of all the casual, fixed pay muster roll,
skilled and unskilled employees of 33 State Government departments appointed
before 1.4.93, has called a convention on February 14 on the premises of
Government Press, Bamunimaidam.
…more…

19th State conference of CPI-M
held at Rangiya(AST_13_2_k8)
RANGIYA, Feb12 – The three- day long 19th State conference of the
Communist Party of India (Marxist) was held here on the Haradutta Biradutta
Bhavan premises from February 7 to 8 and at Rangiya Hiher Secondary School
playground on February 9.
On the inaugural day on Feb 7 in the morning session, party flag was hoisted and
tributes were paid to the martyrs. This after, inauguration ceremony was held
followed by delegates session and delegates meet. The next day, that is on Feb 8
last, a symposium was held on the focal theme “ Present socio-economic
situation: left option ” which was moderated by Local MLA and member of edior’s
panel of state CPI (M) central
…more…

Development process in BTC on: Himanta(AST_13_2_k8)
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 12 – The Congress-BPF coalition government in Assam is
making all-out efforts for sustainable development and peace in this region.
Ceasefire was made with several outfits while the same with some are in the
process. But this should not be treated as a weakness of the government, said Dr
Himanta Biswa Sharma, Health Minister, here on Sunday at the 6th Bodoland Day
while addressing a large gathering at Kadamtola in Kokrajhar.
…more…

AGP felicitates its 45 poll
winners(AST_13_2_k8)
RANGIYA, Feb12 – Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) ceremonially greeted and
felicitated 45 of its party winners at different levels in the recently declared
panchayat poll results.
In a function held here at Pragati Sangha on Feb 10 last, ex-MLA and party
vice-president Thaneswar Boro, Kamalpur MLA Moidul Islam Bora and other senior
party workers were present.
…more…

NRC update modalities
finalized(SEN_13_2_k8)

GUWAHATI, Feb 12: At long last the Cabinet sub-committee
has today finalized the modalities for NRC update in Asom. According to the
modalities for NRC update, if need be, the DNA test of suspected citizens will
be conducted to ascertain citizenship status of people of doubtful
nationalities. And if the Centre accepts this NRC update modalities, it has to
amend its existing Citizenship Act, 1955.
…more…

I
have no hand in arrest of Baruah: Barman(SEN_13_2_k8)

Bhumidhar
threatens to drag Atul Bora to court

GUWAHATI, Feb 12: Asom Revenue Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman today
said that he was in no way connected with the arrest of former Assam Legislative
Assembly Speaker Pulakesh Baruah.
Reacting to allegations that he was behind the arrest of the former Speaker,
Barman said: “Baruah is my enemy in the political field, but not in social
life.” According to Barman, one Dilip Kakati had filed a case two years back as
he had not been issued any appointment letter as a teacher despite his name
figuring in the selection list. The Gauhati High Court asked the police to
investigate the matter, and file the report, but the police was slow in its
investigation. Recently the High Court asked the police to submit its report in
connection with the case by February 15, and that prompted the police to speed
up its investigation. Baruah was arrested in connection with the case, Barman
added.
On Trinamool Gana Parishad (TGP) leader Atul Bora’s allegation that he was
behind the arrest of the former Speaker, Barman said: “I will file a criminal
case against Atul Bora.” Meanwhile, the TGP staged a demonstration in Guwahati
today demanding immediate release of the former Speaker without any condition.
…more…

Reconsider demand for repoll in Hailakandi, HC tells SEC(SEN_13_2_k8)

GUWAHATI, Feb 12: The Gauhati High Court has today
asked the State Election Commission (SEC) to reconsider the appeal of the
Opposition to hold repoll in the entire Hailakandi district in view of the
large-scale violence that took place during the polling on December 9 and the
night before the third phase of panchayat elections. A single-judge bench of the
High Court headed by Justice BK Sarma issued the directive while dealing with a
writ petition (C-499/08) filed by AUDF zila parishad candidate Satyajit Mallick
and four others in this regard. It may be mentioned here that the State Election
Commission had decided for repoll in 371 polling centres in the district in two
phases, of which repolling in 166 centres was held today. However, the
petitioners had sought the court’s intervention to hold repoll in the rest 250
centres. They argued that the commission has ignored the appeal of the
Opposition for holding election in all the 621 centres in Hailakandi.
…more…

75% turnout in
Hailakandi
(SEN_13_2_k8)

SILCHAR, Feb 12: In glaring contrast to the chaos
and violence in the January 9 panchayat polls in Hailakandi, voters today
exercised their franchise in a peaceful atmosphere in the seven zila parishads
(ZPs) of Matijuri, Rangauti, Nitainagar, Rangpur-Ranchandi, Katlicherra,
Baruncherra-Bilaipur and Bhatirkup-Boalipar.
…more…

Our dreams were shattered, say surrendered rebels(SEN_13_2_k8)

TINSUKIA, Feb 11: “I had joined the outfit 17 years ago
with a dream. After being a part of the organization and facing several odds, I
have found that my dream has been shattered. This has forced me to leave the
outfit and join the mainstream.”
These were the words of self-styled captain Kesav Hazarika alias Calcium
Commander of the United Liberation Front of Asom’s (ULFA) 27 Battalion, spoken
during the surrender ceremony held at the Dinjan Military Station today. The
‘commander’ along with 13 cadres of the 27 Bn, 14 cadres of the 28 Bn, one cadre
of the 109 Bn, one National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) cadre and one
Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF) cadre surrendered today.
Hazarika’s wife, ‘captain’ Meenakshi Hazarika also surrendered, but was not
present on the occasion due to ill health.
…more…

Anomalies detected in IAY house construction(SEN_13_2_k8)

GORESWAR, Feb 11: Allegations of corruption have been
raised against the people involved in the construction of houses under the
Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) in Goreswar Development Block in Baksa district. Local
villagers informed The Sentinel that most of the IAY houses under the block are
awaiting completion even after a span of two years.
Based on public complaints, this correspondent visited the interior areas of
Goreswar recently, to take a look into the alleged anomalies and the cases of
corruption. It was indeed found that a large number of houses are lying
incomplete. …more…

Govt
pulled up for inaction against accused(AST_14_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 13 – The State Information Commission has expressed its
displeasure over the failure of the Government in initiating action against the
officers involved in the corrupt practices in the Public Distribution System
(PDS) scam in Golaghat, and conveyed this to the Chief Secretary, Government of
Assam. The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) which had unearthed a series of
scams in the PDS in Golaghat, Jorhat and Sivasagar districts by accessing
information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, had alleged before the
Commission that no action was taken against the guilty officials exposed by the
KMSS and the RTI. …more…

State BJP brushes aside
speculations(AST_14_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 13 – The State committee of the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) on Wednesday brushed aside speculations that the central leadership of the
party was contemplating reshuffling of the State committee and the removal of
Ramen Deka as president.
It may be mentioned here that rumours have been doing the round that the central
leaders were not happy with the performance of the party in the recently
concluded Panchayat polls in the State.
…more…

AUDF for front against Cong,
BJP(AST_14_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 13 – The Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) today called
for a coalition of forces of all groups opposed to the Congress and BJP in order
to bring back a healthy political climate to the State.
In an official release, AUDF president Badaruddin Ajmal strongly criticised the
“oppressive measures” taken against his party workers by the State government
and stated that it revealed the fear that had gripped the Congress party in the
post Panchayat election scenario.
Ajmal said that the Congress had scripted a dark chapter in State politics by
resorting to large-scale rigging and by arresting AUDF workers on flimsy
grounds. …more…

Scribes protest atrocities on
fraternity(AST_14_2_k8)
BARPETA, Feb 13 – Scribes in Barpeta district registered protest against
the atrocities on press during the last few days in several parts of the State.
Barpeta Press Club in association with Bajali Press Club, Barpeta Road Press
Club, Howli, Sarthebari, Sarupeta, Patacharkuchi and representatives of AAPCU,
Barpeta Subdivision Journalist Association, and AUWJ staged a
sit-in-demonstration in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Barpeta
from 11 am to 1 pm. …more…

Arrest of Lachit not
acceptable: AGP(SEN_14_2_k8)
Hiranya Saikia’s revelations need to be inquired: AGP-P
GUWAHATI, Feb 13: AGP’s working president Phani Bhushan Choudhury
and Leader of the Opposition Chandra Mohan Patowary today said the arrest of
People’s Consultative Group (PCG) member Lachit Bordoloi for maintaining links
with the ULFA can never be acceptable in any way.
Talking to The Sentinel today, the two AGP leaders said: “When the ULFA agreed
for peace talks with the Centre, it officially formed the PCG to initiate the
peace process on its behalf. This apart, the Centre did recognize the PCG by
holding as many as three rounds of talks, and in one of the three rounds Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also took part. In such a
situation, a PCG member maintaining links with the ULFA is nothing unusual.”
…more…

Farmers’ open letter to CM(SEN_14_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 13: The Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, Asom (KMSSA), in an
open letter to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today has sought his intervention in
the PDS scam that allegedly took place in the three districts of Asom, including
Golaghat, to ensure punishment of the kingpins of these large-scale financial
anomalies. The KMSSA has also demanded for a CBI inquiry into the scam and
threatened to start a people’s movement throughout the State, if no action is
taken in this regard by the end of this month.
…more…

CPI
seeks Centre’s intervention in Asom(SEN_14_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 13: Expressing concern over the
prevailing situation in Asom, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has demanded
the Centre’s intervention under the Article 355 of the Constitution to tackle
the deterioration of the law-and-order situation in the State. Besides, the
party has also condemned the arrest of PCG member Lachit Bordoloi and criticized
the police action of bringing senior advocate Nekibur Zaman under scanner. It
has termed the police action against the duo as “vindictive attitude of the
State Government”.
…more…

Panchayat leader threatened(SEN_14_2_k8)
From our Correspondent
BILASIPARA, Feb 13: Amir Hussain, president of Saltari gaon panchayat under
Bilasipara subdivision elected in the last panchayat election in a press meet
said that he was threatened with murder by some miscreants who are allegedly
supporters of a political rival candidate.

Congress
cell in poll gear(TEL_14_2_K8)

Guwahati, Feb. 13: The minority cell of the Assam PCC
has decided to don the role of a watchdog to ensure that Dispur implements all
centrally-sponsored schemes in the minority-dominated areas of the state. The
cell switched into a proactive mode after the Assam United Democratic Front
(AUDF) made inroads into a few minority pockets of the Congress in the
just-concluded panchayat elections in the state.
…more…

Borbora
flays Opp role on Bordoloi arrest(AST_15_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 14 – Member of People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and
senior advocate Arup Borbora today said that the crackdown on the human rights
activists like Lachit Bordoloi by the State Government was possible only because
of the presence of a very “weak and impotent” Opposition in the State. “Had it
not been so, the Opposition parties in the State would have definitely raised a
voice against the unreasonable arrest of PCG member Bordoloi,” the PCG member
asserted. …more…

Stolen goods recovered(AST_15_2_k8)
JAGIROAD, Feb 14 – Jagiroad police led by Dhani Ram Bora, officer
incharge, Jagiroad police station recovered a large quantity of stolen
electrical goods including valuable copper wires and motor parts worth Rs 1 lakh
from Silbhanga area near here on Monday.
…more…

Borbora flays Opp role on
Bordoloi arrest(AST_15_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 14 – Member of People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and
senior advocate Arup Borbora today said that the crackdown on the human rights
activists like Lachit Bordoloi by the State Government was possible only because
of the presence of a very “weak and impotent” Opposition in the State. “Had it
not been so, the Opposition parties in the State would have definitely raised a
voice against the unreasonable arrest of PCG member Bordoloi,” the PCG member
asserted.
Bordoloi was arrested for his alleged links with the banned United Liberation
Front of Asom (ULFA). …more…

River police scheme
cleared(TEL15_2_K8)

Silchar, Feb. 14: The Assam home department, after much
procrastination, has cleared the long-pending scheme of the three district
police establishments in the south Assam region to set up their individual river
police wings.According to a top police source here, policing in the river Barak,
which is the second longest in the Northeast , envisages setting up of a
full-fledged river police station in this town and three additional river
outposts at Lakhipur, Rajatilla and Karimganj.The source added that this network
of river policing would aim at stemming the growth of infiltration across the
border from Bangladesh. It would also help curb numerous incidents of robberies
along the Barak and its many tributaries.
…more…

Student bodies, political
parties decry petrol, diesel price hike(AST_16_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 15 – The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), student wing
of the Bharatiya Janata Party, today organised a procession under its aegis from
the city’s Latasil area protesting against the hike in the prices of petrol and
diesel from last night.
Flaying the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre for the
hike, the members of the Morcha demanded the Central Government to initiate
immediate steps to cut down on the hike. The protest rally also urged
more…

BJP takes pride in checking
Cong(AST_16_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 15 – The State executive of BJP Assam Pradesh, at a meeting
today, discussed the performance of the party in the recent panchayat polls, and
asserted that it had been able to check the Congress significantly.
In a statement, the BJP said that an overall analysis made it clear that the
Congress performance showed a downward slide whereas the BJP had been able to
consolidate its votes. …more…

National integration tour
flagged off(AST_16_2_k8)
DIPHU, Feb 15 – As a part of Operation Sadbhavana with a view to
fostering goodwill among the local populace, the Fifth Bihar Regiment of Red
Horn Division has organised a National Integration tour to Kolkata, Bhubaneswar
and Delhi. The tour aims to provide first hand experience of the vastness and
rich culture of the country to the participants of the tour with a view to
rejuvenating the feeling of patriotism and instilling a spirit of national
integration among the students of the region. It was flagged off by Brigadier GS
Chandel, YSM Commander Chindits Brigade from Diphu KASA Stadium at a colourful
cultural ceremony on February 11 in presence of Dr M Angumuthu, Deputy
Commissioner, Anurag Tankha, Superintendent of Police etc.
…more…

Dispur faces Delhi flak for
shoddy work(TEL_16_2_k8)

Guwahati, Feb. 15: Dispur today came under fire from the
Centre for poor implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes under the Bharat
Nirman programme. The Centre’s displeasure was conveyed at a high-level review
meeting chaired by cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar at the chief minister’s
conference hall here. …more…

Food for
thought in Speaker’s message(TEL_16_2_k8)

Feb. 15: The sixth edition of the three-day
Dehing Patkai Festival began at Lekhapani today with Arunachal Pradesh Speaker
Setong Sena’s message to all ethnic tribes providing food for thought. Sena
asked the ethnic tribes that inhabit the Northeast to be united and preserve
their “uniqueness” instead of bickering over petty issues. “Your cultures,
languages, rituals and food habits are your USP,” he said. Tinsukia deputy
commissioner K.K. Dwivedi nodded in approval.
…more…

Panel for next Asom DGP soon
(SEN, 23-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 22: At its meeting held today, the State Security
Commission (SSC) has decided to prepare a panel for the rank of the DGP of Asom
as DGP RN Mathur is going to retire on April 30, 2009. According to the Assam
Police Act, police officers who have two years — or less — of service duration
left cannot be a full-fledged DGP. Senior police officers in the State are
Sarada Prasad (to retire in 2010), Sankar Baruah (to retire in 2011), Shivabrata
Kakati (to retire in 2011) and N Ramachandran (to retire in 2012).
In accordance with Section 40 of the Assam Police Act, the SSC was formed
recently with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as its Chairman, and Chief Secretary PC
Sarma, Principal Secretary Subash Das, Commissioner-Secretary Rajib Bora,
retired IAS officer Jatin Hazarika, retired judge SK Kar, former minister Abdul
Muhib Mazumdar, and DGP RN Mathur as members.
…more…

AGP welcomes HC stay on
handing over of agricultural land to Pithani

Gogoi Government not farmer-friendly: Patowary(SEN_23_2_k8)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 22: The Gauhati High Court has stayed the settlement of over 100
bighas of ceiling surplus land in North Guwahati given to Suresh Pithani, owner
of Brahmaputra Consortium, till the inquiry into the status of the farmers who
had cultivated the land up to 1976 is over. AGP Legislature Party (AGPLP) leader
and Leader of Opposition of Assam Assembly Chandra Mohan Patowary has welcomed
the High Court’s move. …more…

Hagrama ties the knot
with Sewli
(SEN_23_2_k8)
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 22: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama
Mohillary today tied the knot with Sewli at Debergaon in the traditional Bathou
system today.
In accordance with the Bathou system, the bride, led by Panchayat and Rural
Development Minister Chandan Brahma and SK Bwiswmuthiary, was brought to the
house of the groom for the marriage. The marriage was completed this evening
amid the presence of over 10,000 guests. According to sources, as many as 25,000
guests, including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, will attend the reception
tomorrow. …more…

Rajnath warns
Government of Maoists threat(SEN_23_2_k8)
‘Tie-up with AGP can’t be ruled out’
GUWAHATI, Feb 22: BJP president Rajnath Singh, who was in poll campaign
in the north-eastern States, warned the Government of the threat from Maoist
militants who are reportedly entering Asom from Bhutan border. He said that the
Central Government should step up vigil along the Bhutan border before the
situation goes out of control. Since the Royal Bhutan Army has stepped up its
operation against the Bhutan Communist Party, who has close nexus with the
Moists in Nepal, the Moist militants are fleeing across the border, and entering
Asom, said Singh, while addressing a press conference here this evening.
…more…

AGP to raise peace
talks(SEN_23_2_k8)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 22: AGP Legislature Party leader Chandra Mohan Patowary today said
that the regional party would raise the issue of peace talks with the militant
groups of the State during the Budget session of the Assembly.

Jorhat MLA makes an ardent
appeal to Jorhatians to create a record by casting the largest number of votes
from the district. (SEN, 23-2-08)
JORHAT, Feb 21: Following the frenzy and disruption of Anamika’s show
at her hometown Mariani, strong security arrangement helped contain an unruly
crowd of youths at the young singer’s performance at the court field here
recently.
One of the finalists of ZEE TVs reality singing competition, Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa’s
Li’L Champs Anamika Choudhury was felicitated by 1000 organizations and
individuals here including Jorhat MLA Rana Goswami, the Jorhat Municipality
Board, Press Club, JDA, AJYCP, AASU, the District Administration, Jorhat Police
and also by her mentor. …more…

VVIPs, masses throng
Hagrama’s reception(AST, 24-2-08)
From Our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 23 – More than just a marriage party, the marriage of Hagrama
Mohilary with Sewli has attracted spectacular attention of the masses in
Bodoland area with people from diverse sections of society enthusiastically
celebrating the union with fanfare and gaiety. Governor of Assam, Speaker of
Assam Assembly, Ministers, guests from Bhutan and other North-east States and
political leaders of the region have lent the marriage a flavour and dignity of
one of a kind. However, at the last moment the Chief Minister’s visit was
cancelled due to some urgent engagement with a few high-profile ministers of the
State. …more…

Tribune union flays dharna(AST,
24-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 23 – The Assam Tribune Employees’ Union has
strongly condemned the dharna organised at the Assam Tribune premises by a group
of people on February 22, who had taken offence over a news item carried in the
Dainik Asom.
Referring to the act as one of cowardice, president of the Union Saifuddin Ahmed
and general secretary Dugdharam Kalita said, “A section of people who have
appropriated lakhs of rupees by forgery and thus harmed society have no right to
protest against the Fourth Estate.”
…more…

Shakti yajna for world
peace(AST, 25-2-08)
GAURIPUR, Feb 24 – Under the auspices of a 250-member Yajna
Parishalana Samiti, headed by Mina Roy, the thirteenth annual Sakti Yajna for
world peace was held at Snanghat temple, Bagribari with a three-day-long
programme on February 19-21.
On the first day of the programme, 108 girls wearing sarees and carrying
decorated earthen pots, took out a procession from the historic 37.50 ft high
Kali temple of Bagribari to the place of the yajna walking along the
five-km-long route. They collected water from River Tipkai for the yajna.
…more…

Darrang Panchayat members seek
people’s support(AST, 25-2-08)
From Our Correspondent
SIPAJHAR, Feb 24 – Leading socio-educational organisations of Doulguri Jnan
UdoyPuthibharal and Jnanjyoti Sangha organised a face-to-face programme with the
newly elected Panchayat representatives of Hazarikapara and Devananda
Gaonpanchayat on February 9.
…more…

Cultural get-together of Assam
Society of Bangalore(AST, 25-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 – The Assam Society of Bangalore, a socio-cultural
organisation, organised a cultural get-together at Princess Academy, Palace
Ground in Bangalore on Sunday, informs a press release.
The occasion was an effort to rekindle the passion for Assamese culture across
all walks of life, echoing the richness of the Assamese heritage, providing
freshness and a renewed zeal to celebrate the Assamese culture.
…more…

Doleswar Boro’s death
condoled(AST, 25-2-08)
UDALGURI, Feb 24 – Various organisations of the State, including
political parties, expressed deep shock at the demise of former Bodo Sahitya
Sabha president Doleswar Boro, who breathed his last on February 18 last at the
B Barooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati.
Born on October 1, 1946 at Kamarpara village in Bijni, late Boro came to
Udalguri and Matriculated from Udalguri High School in 1963 and obtained his BSc
from Cotton College in 1969. He did his BT from Jorhat PGTC.
…more…

Narayan Bezboruah
remembered(AST, 25-2-08)
From Our Correspondent
NORTH GUWAHATI, Feb 24 – Under the auspices of North Guwahati unit of Asom Kavi
Samaj, the death anniversary of renowned poet, litterateur, artiste and
dramatist Narayan Bezboruah was observed at the late poet’s residence in a
memorial meeting marked by a kavi samaroh. The function was chaired by Dr
Durgeswar Sarmah, former president of Asom Kavi Samaj.
…more…

Additional Rs 60 crore demanded
for Cachar(AST, 25-2-08)
KARIMGANJ, Feb 24 – Union Heavy Industries Minister Santosh Mohan Dev
has demanded an additional allocation of Rs 60 crore under Rajiv Gandhi Rural
Electrification Scheme for electrification of 890 villages in Cachar.
Simultaneously he has urged the Union Power Ministry to extend relaxed norms of
the Government of India to Cachar district with special provisions for isolated
habitations. …more…

Appointed(AST, 25-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 — Advocate Bijan Mahajan has been appointed
president of the legal cell of the Asom Gana Parishad. According to an AGP press
release here, the district committees of the party have been instructed to
contact Mahajan to get clarifications on the legal matters related with
formation of the district legal cells.

Utilisation of natural resources stressed(AST, 25-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today stressed the need
for effective utilisation of the State’s natural resources for sustainable
development of the State.
Addressing a gathering after formally inaugurating the four-day Enterprise
North-East Exhibition, Gogoi said that there was scope for further exploration
of oil and natural gas in the State. The Chief Minister also called upon the
entrepreneurs to avail various incentives offered by the Government for setting
up business ventures.

Govt move
on language appreciated(AST, 25-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 – The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad has
lauded the recent decision of the State Government to ensure the use of State
language Assamese in all the government offices, Secretariat and in the
administrative work of the Government of Assam.
The general secretary of the Guwahati unit of the students’ body, Sanjib Bora
said that though the State Language Act was passed in 1960, its proper
implementation was never done in Assam due to lack of instructions from the
State government in this regard. “Now after the recent orders, we believe that
the State language would get its proper place,” he said.
…more…

Opp parties gearing up to
corner govt(AST, 25-2-08)
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 24 – The Opposition parties are gearing up to put the Government
on the back foot during the ensuing Budget Session of the Assam Legislative
Assembly, which begins on March 3 and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), the main
Opposition party, has decided to hold talks with other Opposition parties and
groups for maintaining floor coordination during the session. Talking to The
Assam Tribune, the Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, Chandra
Mohan Patowary said that the AGP Legislature Party met on February 22 to
finalise its strategies for the Budget Session of the Assembly and the party
would soon hold talks with the members of other Opposition parties on floor
coordination on common issues.
…more…

Gogoi forms panel(SEN_25_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 24: The State Government has
constituted a ministerial committee with Revenue Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman as
its chairman to look into the implementation of the Congress’ 2006 Assembly
election manifesto. The committee will meet on February 28. It has asked all the
principal secretaries, commissioner secretaries and secretaries to attend the
meeting.

AGP
workers clamour for unification(TEL_25_2_k8)

‘Merger
essential to strengthen regional forces’(TEL_25_2_k8)

Nagaon, Feb. 24: More than 3,000 panchayat workers today
raised the clamour for unification of the AGP and its breakaway faction to
strengthen the regional forces in the state.After a three-hour discussion on the
merger, activists of both of the parties under the banner of the newly floated
Ekotrikoron Prastuti Samittee proposed to send a memorandum to the leadership of
both parties seeking immediate steps for an unconditional merger of the AGP, the
AGP(Pragatisheel), AGP (Trinamul) and Purbanchalia Loka Parishad (PLP).
…more…

CBI probe
demanded into NREG scheme
anomalies(AST_26_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – The flagship employment scheme of the UPA
government, which has already come under the scanner for fund anomalies, seems
to have met the same fate in the State. On Monday, the members of the All Assam
Gramin Sramik Santha and the Karbi Anglong and NC Hills Krishan Sramik Sabha who
assembled in the capital city demanded a CBI enquiry into alleged anomalies
perpetuated by Government officials entrusted with implementation of the
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
…more…

State drumming up support for
Anamika(AST_26_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – The North East region may have failed to place the
winner’s crown on Amit Paul in Sony TV’s ‘Indian Idol’ last year, but they are
vowing to repeat the feat they achieved with Debojit Saha when the latter
notched the top spot in Zee TV’s ‘Saregamapa Challenge 2005 couple of seasons
back. This time, though, it is Assam’s little wonder Anamika Choudhury, who is
sweeping the music buffs off their feet.
…more…

Pension adalat for Defence(AST_26_2_k8)
By A City Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – The Office of the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts
(Pension), Allahabad will be holding a Defence Pension Adalat at Guwahati in the
third week of May, 2008 for spot settlement of pension-related grievances of the
Defence pensioners, including Defence Civilians residing in Assam.
…more…

Hike in prices of diesel,
petrol criticised(AST_26_2_k8)
By A City Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – The skyrocketing prices of all essential commodities have
hit the consumers hard. In view of the hike again in petrol and diesel, which in
turn leads to the rise in prices of the essential commodities, the Nikhil Bharat
Ganatantrik Mahila Samity on Monday took out a protest rally demanding measures
from the Government to bring the prices under control.
…more…

CPM stir over fuel price hike(AST_26_2_k8)

JAMUGURIHAT, Feb 25 – A sit-in strike was staged at Jamugurihat
centre on February 21 by the members of the CPI (M) protesting the recent hike
in the prices of petrol and diesel.
Led by Lily Bhuyan and Deva Sarma, office-bearers of Jamuguri and North Jamuguri
Anchalik Samity, more than 50 members participated in the strike shouting
slogans such as ‘Withdraw price hike immediately’, ‘Be careful Mommohan Singh’
‘High handedness of Manmohan Singh will not be tolerated’, etc.
…more…

Memo to CM(AST_26_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 25 – The Hojai Zila Dabi Sangram Samiti has submitted a
memorandum to the Chief Minister, urging him to declare Hojai as a district for
expediting the development process in the area.
…more…

AGP, NDFB condemn
Hagrama’s marriage extravaganza(SEN_26_2_k8)
By Our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 25: The lavish and extravagant marriage ceremony of BTAD chief
Hagrama Mahilary has evoked sharp condemnation from various quarters of the
State. The main Opposition party, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), said the way in
which money was ostensibly spent for the marriage party only proves the
allegations of corruption allegedly taking place in the BTAD in the name of
development. …more…

Probe
ordered(AST_27_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 26 — Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today ordered an
administrative inquiry into the February 24 Sonapur Patgaon road mishap in which
14 people were killed. Principal Secretary P K Chouhury will conduct the inquiry
to ascertain the causes of the accident. – Reporter

Industry
leaders meet CM over State Budget(AST_27_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 26 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today met several
representatives from trade, commerce and industry at Dispur and interacted with
them to discuss the issues, which could figure in the next State budget.
He assured representatives that the forthcoming budget would have adequate
provisions to safeguard the interest of the common masses.
…more…

Gogoi assures housewives
of checking price rise(SEN_27_2_k8)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 26: Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today interacted with people
from various walks of life and top-level officials today on the State’s 2008-09
Annual Budget which he will table in the State Assembly on March 10.
…more…

Move
to avoid panchayat oath-taking blues(SEN_27_2_k8)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 26: In order to avoid rampant irregularities in oath-taking of the
panchayat members, panchayat presidents (PP), anchalik panchayat (AP) members
and the zila parishad (ZP) members, the Asom Government has issued a directive
to the deputy commissioners of districts where panchayat polls were held to hold
meetings of the newly-elected panchayat members, PPs, APs and ZPs for necessary
arrangements for their oath-taking.
…more…

Youth Cong
seeks PM’s intervention(AST_28_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 27 – The Assam Pradesh Youth Congress (APYC) today
sought the intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of the
ULFA problem declaring that the protracted issue has denied peace and
development in the State.
In a memorandum to the Prime Minister, the APYC has requested his interference
to other problems like land encroachment by neighbouring States.
…more…

HC stays Panchayat member’s
election(AST_28_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 27 – The Gauhati High Court, after hearing the writ
petition by one Premananda Hazarika, stayed the election of Babul Boro as a
member of 29 No. Uttar Bajali Reserved Zila Parishad Constituency. The order was
passed today.
Premananda Hazarika challenged the State Election Commissioner’s order dated
February 14 and the notification dated February 22, whereby the election of
Hazarika was declared illegal and in his place Babul Boro had been declared
elected from 29 No. Uttar Bajali Reserved Zila Parishad Constituency.
…more…

Gogoi for populist Budget(SEN_28_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 27: Asom Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi is trying to make the Budget of the State for the fiscal 2008-09 a
populist one as the Lok Sabha election is round the corner. According to
sources, Gogoi is contemplating on taking elements from the 2007-08 Budget of
Tamil Nadu and the 2008-09 Budget of Rajasthan in order to directly benefit the
common people. …more…

Committee to seek PM’s
intervention on fertilizer unit(SEN_28_2_k8)
DIBRUGARH, Feb 27: Little progress has been made in the establishment
of the fourth unit of Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL)
at Namrup despite the announcement being made by Union Minister for Fertilizer
and Chemicals Ram Vilas Paswan almost two years back.
…more…

Don’t call bureaucrats,
Cabinet tells Governor(SEN_28_2_k8)
Guwahati, Feb 27: The Asom Government has taken on Governor Lt. Gen.
(retd) Ajai Singh once again, making it clear that the governor should not
summon bureaucrats to his office for any discussion.
…more…

Congress leader in
assault row(SEN_28_2_k8)
NAGAON, Feb 27: A local Congress leader allegedly misbehaved and
threatened a scribe of a Asomiya daily after the latter published a new item
claiming that the Congress leader was involved in the black marketing of PDS
items in the Dhing Wholesale Consumer Cooperative Society.
…more…
Foundation stone of office
building laid(SEN_27_2_k8)
BISWANATH CHARIALI, Feb 26: The Minister for Irrigation, Fishery and
Soil Conservation Nurjamal Sarkar laid the foundation of the permanent office
building of Deputy Inspector of Schools in presence of Education Minister Ripun
Bora on February 24 here. The office building would be constructed by Assam
State Housing Board at a cost of Rs 10 lakhs.
…more…

Rail budget poll- centric:
BJP(AST_29_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 28 – Reacting to the Union Rail Budget, the State BJP
on Tuesday said that it was totally election and Bihar centric. State BJP
president Ramen Deka said that the provisions of the budget reflected the tone
of appeasement followed by the Congress in regard to the minorities. “By keeping
the provision for appointing the members of the minority community, the
Government has showed its special consideration for the minorities,” said Deka.
…more…

Demo over price
rise(AST_29_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 28 – The youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP), Assam Pradesh on Tuesday protested against the increasing prices of all
the essential commodities. The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) staged a
demonstration at Kalapahar area in the city and the party leadership including
president Ramen Deka took part in the programme.
…more…

Resentment over shifting of HPC
office from Haflong(AST_29_2_k8)
HAFLONG, Feb 28 – Proposed shifting of Hindusthan Paper Corporation
office from Haflong to some where else has created serious concern among the
people of NC Hills. It is learnt that depending on bamboo production in the
district and other parts the HPC established the Cachar Paper Mill at Panchgram,
but the district could not get minimum benefit neither in case of employment or
in case of revenue. …more…

IAF recruitment rally at
Tezpur(AST_29_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 28 – Indian Air Force will conduct a recruitment rally
for State of North Eastern Region from March 3 to 7 at Meghna Stadium, Solmara
Army Cantonment, Tezpur. The recruitment test will be conducted from 7 am
onwards every day, said a PIB(DW) release.
…more…

Upper House in Asom may be
a reality(SEN_29_2_k8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 28: The Legislative Council
(Upper House) may be a reality in Asom within this term of the Congress
Government as the Cabinet sub-committee that was instituted for the purpose has
already finalized its draft proposal.
According to sources, the Cabinet sub-committee has sought a report on the fund
allocation for the proposed Legislative Council from the Finance Department, PWD
and the Department of Parliamentary Affairs.
…more…

Govt officials taking part
in Cong workshop draws flak(SEN_29_2_k8)
Presence of an ADC and the Agriculture Officer has been criticized as no Govt
officials are allowed to take part in any political meeting

From our Correspondent
MANGALDAI, Feb 28: Though the Congress in Darrang district, following its inner
conflict, instead of getting absolute majority in the recently-concluded
election for the Darrang Zila Parishad, had to be satisfied with the tag of the
single largest party with seven seats, the ongoing internal conflict has created
confusion among the grassroots-level Congress workers.
…more…

AUDF-AGP combine all set to
form Barpeta ZP(SEN_29_2_k8)
KALGACHIA, Feb 28: Surpassing all strategy of Congress, AGP and AUDF
are heading to form the Barpeta Zila Parishad. Though any of the parties was not
able to gain majority in the 29-seat Barpeta Zila Parishad, yet AUDF came out
larger than other opposition parties.
As per poll result, Congress got 11 seats, AUDF 8, AGP 6, CPM 20, independent
candidates 2 seats. 15 seats are needed to form the ZP whereas Congress fell
short by 4 seats. …more…

Tangla police station
inaugurated (SEN_29_2_k8)
From our Correspondent
TANGLA, Feb 28: A two-storeyed building for Tangla Police station was
inaugurated in a function at Tangla recently.
While inaugurating the new building, the Inspector General of Police for BTAD,
Nripendra Mohan Dutta called upon the people to maintain peace and harmony in
the area. He said the society should not be divided on the basis of caste,
religion or community. Dutta further stated that the first duty of the police is
to control crime and maintain law and oder situation in the area. Dutta in his
speech, emotionally recalled the memories of his childhood days. He said Tangla
was a small place in the past and now it has grown up in to a busy town people’s
responsibility has also increased in the society. Dutta stressed that people
have one identity, that is human beings.
…more…

Cong retains hold on
Panchayats(AST_3_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 2 – The ruling Congress continued to consolidate its
position in the Panchayat polls by bagging as many as 8,169 of the 17,627 Gaon
Panchayat (GP) member seats declared so far. The AGP was the other gainer with
3,118 GP seats followed by the AUDF with 1,539 seats and the BJP with 1,393
seats.
Meanwhile, the AUDF bagged one more Zila Parishad (ZP) member seat taking its
tally to 44. Results in four seats are yet to be announced in Kamrup (Rural),
Darrang and Cachar districts.
…more…

Gogoi jubilant over party
victory(AST_3_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 2 – Chief Minister today described the participation of
over 70 per cent of the voters in the panchayat elections as a message to the
insurgent groups including ULFA. Congratulating the elder sister of ULFA C-in-C
Paresh Barua for her victory as an Anchalik Panchayat Member at Chabua in
Tinsukia district on an AGP ticket, Gogoi said that by taking part in the
democratic process she had sent a message to her brother. People have
demonstrated their zeal to take part in the democratic process of policy making
down to the grass root levels, he said.
…more…

Dhemaji bandh
peaceful(AST_3_2_K8)
DHEMAJI, Feb 2 – Normal life at Dhemaji town and its neighbouring
areas was affected today during the Dhemaji bandh jointly called by Dhemaji
District Congress Committee, Dhemaji District Youth Congress Committee and the
BJP’s Dhemaji District Committee demanding repolling in No. 1 Dhemaji and No. 2
Machkhowa Zila Parishad constituencies.
…more…

House
summoned
GUWAHATI, Feb 2 — Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh has summoned State
Assembly to meet at 9 am on March 3, said a press release issued by the Raj
Bhawan.

Probe panel
GUWAHATI, Feb 2 — The State Government has constituted a one-man inquiry
committee headed by PK Choudhury, Principal Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs,
etc., dept, Govt of Assam, to probe the death of Naba Saikia of Biswanath
Chariali on Jan 22.

PHE body
general meet on Feb 4-5(AST_3_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 2 – The 28th general conference of Assam Public Health
Engineers’ Association will be held at Kaziranga on February 4-5. The open
session to be held on February 5 will be attended by Rihan Daimary, Minister of
PHE as chief guest. Ajanta Neog, Minister, Social Welfare and Rockybul Hussain,
Minister, of Environment and Forest will attend the open session as guests of
honour a press release stated.
…more…

Cong wins all ZPCs in Majuli(AST_3_2_K8)
KAMALABARI, Feb 2 – Indian National Congress candidates have been elected
from all four Zila Parishad constituencies from Majuli sub-division. They are
Rameswar Doley from Namoni Majuli ZPC, Rumi Hazarika from Madhya Majuli ZPC,
Rajib Saikia from Dakshin Majuli ZPC and Nivedita Doley from Uzani Majuli ZPC.
…more…

AGP surpasses Cong in Amguri
LAC(AST_3_2_K8)
AMGURI, Feb 2 – Results of the 2007-08 Panchayat election in No 103
Amguri LAC showed a different picture as compared to that of 2001 panchayat
election in which the ruling Congress party had captured all Zila Parishad,
Anchalik Panchayat and Gaon Panchayat seats in the recent panchayat election,
Congress lost 75 per cent ZPC and 61% per cent GP president and AP member
constituencies. …more…

Money changed hands before
Beltola violence(AST_4_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 3 – In what could bring into play a fresh angle of
investigation for the one- man inquiry commission headed by Justice (retd) RK
Manisana Singh probing the November 24 Beltola mob mayhem, top-ranking member of
the All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASAA) Raphel Kujur today
informed the commission that he had taken a sum of Rs 20,000 from some of the
members of the All Adivasi National Liberation Army (AANLA) to hold the rally on
November 24. “There was a meeting of AASAA and AANLA leaders at a hotel situated
in city’s Paltan Bazar area on November 20 where AANLA Deputy Commander-in-Chief
Bijoy Munda gave Rs 20,000 to hold the rally on that particular day,” informed
the sources in the commission quoting the statements of Kujur, who gave
statements on solemn oath before the commission at the circuit house here today.
…more…

Gogoi barb(TEL_3_2_K8)

Guwahati, Feb. 2: Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today took
potshots at the Opposition saying that their “losing streak” had made the
Congress complacent, even as the AGP claimed that its performance in the
panchayat polls indicated its growing popularity. Gogoi said Congress would form
16 of the 19 zila parishads.

BJP dist
body upbeat over panchayat poll performance(AST_4_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 3 – The Bharatiya Janata Party’s Guwahati district
committee is upbeat over its overall performance in the just concluded Panchayat
polls.
Compared to its performance in the last local polls, the district committee has
been able to clinch more seats in the Gaon Panchayat and Anchalik Panchayat. It
has won 55 seats of Gaon Panchayat member, three times more than the seats it
had won in the last local polls. The district committee had won 17 seats of Gaon
Panchayat member, two seats of Gaon Panchayat president and two seats of
Anchalik Panchayat member in the last Panchayat elections. This time the
district committee has won four seats of Gaon Panchayat president and five seats
of Anchalik Panchayat member in the Kamrup (Metro).
…more…

Cong sweeps Panchayat poll in
Morigaon district(AST_4_2_K8)
JAGIROAD, Feb 3 – The Congress has swept the Panchayat election in
Morigaon district winning 11 of 13 seats of Zila Parishad members, followed by
AGP and AUDF, which managed to win only one seat each. The Congress also managed
to win 47 of 85 seats of Anchalik Panchayat members while the party also managed
to win 48 of 85 seats of Gaon Panchayat presidents.
…more…

‘Assam bandhs non-Gandhian in
character’(AST_4_2_K8)
The 60th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was observed at DU with a
daylong programme. An open session on ‘Relevance of Gandhian Ideas in the New
Millennium’ was organized at Rangghar, the DU auditorium, with VC Dr K Pathak,
and Chandan Kumar Sharma, Lecturer in History, as appointed speakers.
…more…

State BJP not averse to
alliances(AST_5_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 4 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Assam Pradesh
president Ramen Deka on Monday said that the just-concluded Panchayat polls have
provided the party an opportunity to assess its strength and weaknesses and
prepare for the parliamentary elections. The party has called a meeting of its
office bearers and State executive from February 14. The three-day meet will
discuss the party’s lapses and measures to be adopted to get closer to the
people. …more…

Spl casual leave
GUWAHATI, Feb 4: The State Government has granted special casual leave
on February 7 and 8 next to the employees who are members of the Srimanta
Sankardev Sangha and are selected as delegates to attend the 77th annual session
of Srimanta Sankardev Sangha to be held at Sarupathar in Golaghat district from
February 6 to 8, an official release said.

Assam
Rifles personnel receive gallantry awards(AST_5_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 4 – The dedicated officers, JCOs and men of the force of
the Assam Rifles have been honoured with various gallantry and meritorious
awards on the occasion of 59th Republic Day of the nation.
For the special services to the force Lt Gen Paramjit Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, DG
Assam Rifles was awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Maj Gen Ballachanda Kuttappa
Chengapa – IGAR (S) was given the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Maj Anshul Shukla-
24 AR and Maj Ishwar Singh Dahiya -14 AR received the Shaurya Chakra.
…more…

Cong wins
2 ZPC seats in Lumding LAC(AST_5_2_K8)
LUMDING, Feb 4 – Although Congress expressed its satisfaction over its
performance in Lumding LAC, its result is not at par with the results of last
Panchayat polls when it dominated the entire constituency. However, this time,
too, the ruling party won two 2 ZPC seats out of four in Lumding LAC.
…more…

Netaji Jayanti celebrated in
Karimganj, Badarpur(AST_5_2_K8)
BADARPUR, Feb 4 – The 111th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra
Bose was celebrated in Badarpur and Karimganj with great solemnity, fanfare and
gaiety by different clubs and organisations with a day-long programme.
The main function was held at Badarpur Girls’ High School by Badarpur
Handicapped Society where distinguished citizens, intellectuals,
freedom-fighters and members of Badarpur Handicapped Society paid tributes to
Netaji. …more…

Kalaguru’s birth centenary
begins(AST_5_2_K8)
BOKAKHAT, Feb 4 – The year-long birth centenary celebrations of Kalaguru
Bishnuprasad Rabha got under way from Thursday under the auspices of Proyas
Adhyayan Chakra (PAC), a body of youths formed for promotion and propagation of
Assamese culture and literature way back in 1996. The inaugural ceremony was
organised on the Bokakhat Jatiya Bidyalaya premises. A cultural procession
consisting of around 600 people showcasing varied ethnic culture and integrity
of the State was the attractive feature of the day.
…more…

Govt to recruit ex-servicemen
for NC Hills(AST_6_2_K8)
By R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Feb 5 – The law and order situation in the North Cachar Hills
District has become a matter of serious concern with frequent militant strikes
severely affecting major development projects and the State Government has
decided to take the services of ex-servicemen to provide security to the persons
working in the mega projects like the gauge conversion project of the Railways
and the East West Corridor Project of the National Highway Authority. The State
Government is also not too happy with the role played by the Army in dealing
with the situation in the district and requested the Centre to bring the
district under the 4 Corps of the Army.
…more…

PTD recovered
RANGIYA, Feb 5: Acting on the tip-off, Rangiya police at around 3 pm
this afternoon recovered a programmable timed device bomb from Highway Chowk
here. The bomb was being carried in a polythene bags in a bus (AS-01-AA-8476)
coming from Simaluguri to Guwahati. Six people had been held for interrogation
in this regard. – Correspondent

Fresh polling
GUWAHATI, Feb 5: The State Election Commission has ordered fresh polling
in 371 polling stations of Hailakandi district through an order today. Fresh
poll in these stations will be held on February 12 and 15 between 8 am and 4 pm.
– Staff Reporter

Opp
councillors demand removal of GMC Commissioner(AST_6_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 5 – The Opposition councillors are baying for the blood of
Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) Commissioner Rajesh Prasad. The Opposition
alleged that the Commissioner has been avoiding most of the important meetings
of the civic body and has failed to discharge his responsibility on the expected
lines. …more…

2 Forward Bloc activists killed
in police firing(AST_6_2_K8)
SILIGURI, Feb 5 – Two Forward Bloc supporters were killed and 12
policemen injured when party activists holding a district agitation programme
turned violent and clashed with police which opened fire to quell the mob in
Dinhata in Coochbehar district today.
…more…

Hill districts to get new
police stations(AST_7_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 6 – With shortage of force turning out to be a major
problem in the hill districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills in
containing the activities of the militant groups, the Government of Assam has
notified creation of new police stations and outposts in the districts. The
State Cabinet has also decided recently to create a new police district of
Hamren to ease the pressure on the existing police set up of Karbi Anglong
district. …more…

Congress loses crucial GP seats
in Nalbari(AST_7_2_K8)
From Our Correspondent
NALBARI, Feb 6 – The Congress party has miserably failed to secure a
comfortable position in the recently concluded Panchayat poll at Barbhag revenue
circle in Nalbari district. Though the Congress nominee won the Barbhag Zilla
Parishad seat by a narrow margin, the party lost most of the important seats of
gaon panchayat presidents, gaon panchayat members and anchalik panchayat
members. …more…

Cong sweeps Rangiya polls(AST_7_2_K8)
From Our Correspondent
RANGIYA, Feb 6 – The ruling Congress swept away majority of the seats and
emerged victorious in the recently declared panchayat poll results here in
Rangiya, leaving only a few pockets for other parties.
About 70 percent seats had been booked by congress against CPI (M), AGP, BJP,
NCP managing to win few others.
…more…

Former Speaker Pulakesh Baruah
arrested(AST_10_2_K8)
From Our Correspondent
NALBARI, Feb 9 – Former Speaker of Assam Assembly Pulakesh Baruah was arrested
by Nalbari Police this evening in connection with a case of illegal appointment
of teachers in Nalbari district. Baruah, who was a member of district teachers
selection board during 1995 to 2000, was called by Nalbari Police intended to
‘clarify’ his statement produced twice earlier. Interestingly, when the senior
political leader Baruah appeared at Nalbari Police Station this morning, he was
admitted at the Nalbari Civil Hospital without serving any warrant.
…more…

Cash awards to State medal
winners(AST_10_2_K8)
By Our Correspondent
GUWAHATI, February 9 – After dilly dallying of about a year, Assam government
on Saturday formally gave away the cash awards to the State medal winners at the
33rd National Games organized here from February 9-18 last year. Chief Minister
Tarun Gogoi handed over the cash awards to 147 Assam players and coaches of the
medal winning teams at a glittering function organized at the Karmabir Nabin
Chandra Bordoloi indoor stadium inside the Sarusajai sports complex.
…more…

Attitude of Mumbai film fest
curator decried(AST_10_2_K8)
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 9 – Filmmaker Bidyut Kotoky, who won the National Award last year
for his documentary Bhraimoman Theatre – where Othello sails with Titanic,
resented the non-inclusion of his film in the Northeast package of films for
screening at the 10 th Mumbai International Film Festival. The package consisted
of 33 films from the region.
…more…

Probe into bid on NE TV chief’s
life(AST_12_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 11 – The State Government has instituted an inquiry
into the incident of firing – allegedly targeting the NE TV managing director
Manoranjana Singh – by some miscreants near a police check point at Rehabari.
Additional Chief Secretary Parul Devi Das will head the probe and submit the
report within seven days.
…more…

AJYCP hails Dr Hazarika for
lifetime award(AST_12_2_K8)
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 11 – The Asom Jatiytabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has
congratulated Dr Bhupen Hazarika, Mahim Bora and Dr Harinath Sarma Doloi for
having been honoured with the Sahityacharya title by the Asam Sahitya Sabha. It
has also lauded the State Government for conferring the Pramathesh Baruah
Lifetime Achievement award on Dr Hazarika and expressed the hope that the
artiste and litterateur fraternity of the State would continue to enrich the
State’s heritage and also contribute towards enhancing the bond of brotherhood
and harmony among different sections of the people.

Gogoi
barb(TEL_3_2_K8)

Bandh(TEL_4_2_K8)

Nagaon: The Karbi Longri North Cachar Liberation Front has
called for a 12-hour Karbi Anglong bandh from 5am on Wednesday in protest
against the killing of two of its members, Philip Singnar and Lorence Teron, by
security forces on January 23.

Dispur
seeks private help (TEL_4_2_K8)

Feb. 3: Dispur has approached various agencies for money
to execute its development plans, after the Centre slashed the funds allocated
to Guwahati under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. A
government official said Dispur’s plans to improve the city’s infrastructure
suffered a setback after the Planning Commission decided to allot funds based on
the urban population. …more…

Cong bats
for tea tribes(TEL_7_2_K8)

Gwahati, Feb. 6: The Congress today donned the mantle of
a “pressure group” to ensure “justice” for the tea tribes in return for their
support in the panchayat elections. Three organisations of the Congress drew up
a slew of programmes to pressure Delhi into granting Scheduled Tribe status to
the community and redressing “various problems”. The Congress’s tea cell, along
with the Indian National Trade Union Congress Legislature Forum and the Assam
Chah Mazdoor Sangha, will take the lead in the party’s mission to project itself
as the community’s friend.
…more…

Jittery
AUDF cries foul (TEL_8_2_K8)

Guwahati, Feb. 7: Jittery at the prospect of losing some
councillors to the Congress, the Assam United Democratic Front (AUDF) today
decided to complain to the governor about “political poaching” by the ruling
party to retain its hold on the zila parishads.
…more…

Block
officials in scheme fraud(TEL_8_2_K8)

Feb. 6: Lies, damned lies and statistics — that is
presumably the only truth in the sheaves of official documents that speak of
Pakhimoria’s transition from a development-starved backwater to a rural block on
the mend. …more…

Assam
workers threaten agitation(TEL_8_2_K8)

Apex
organisation seeks job regularisation

Guwahati, Feb. 7: The apex organisation of Assam
government employees today threatened to launch an agitation against Dispur’s
failure to regularise the services of nearly 9,000 casual and fixed pay workers.
Sadou Asom Karmachari Parishad secretary general Basab Kalita said the apex
organisation’s members will meet here on February 14 to chalk out an agitation
plan to force the allegedly apathetic Dispur to accede to the demand.
…more…

Govt bows
to World Bank (TEL_8_2_K8)

Feb. 7: Dispur has asked the National Dairy Development
Board (NDDB) to take over the management of West Assam Milk Producers’
Co-operative Union Ltd (Wamul), the creators of milk brand Purabi, from April 1.
The move follows the World Bank’s subtle threat to drop its dairy development
programme in the state if it was not managed by a professional organisation with
a proven track record. …more…

Photo I-cards to voters a far cry in Asom (SEN,9-2-08)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 8: In accordance with the directive from the Election Commission
(EC) of India, electronic photo identity cards (EPICs) have already been issued
to the voters in a number of States of the country, including Asom’s
neighbouring State Meghalaya. The EC has taken such a step to avoid proxy voting
and voting by foreigners during elections.
…more…

NCC
training camp held(SEN, 10-2-08)
DIBRUGARH, Feb 9: The 10-day combined Annual Training Camp for the
NCC cadets, organized by the Dibrugarh based 63 Assam Girls Battalion NCC, at
Lekhapani concluded recently.
The camp Commandant Lt Col BS Ahuluwalia while addressing the concluding
function, advised the cadets to join the armed forces and render their best for
the nation. Prizes for various competitions like quiz, best turnout, line area,
firing, drill, held during the camp were also given to the cadets of both senior
and junior wing of NCC. The cadets who participated underwent Army exercises
such as drill, map reading, weapon training and firing.
…more…

Mayor, Deputy Mayor to be elected through direct voting
(SEN, 10-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 9: From the forthcoming Guwahati Municipal Corporation
(GMC) election slated to be held in January-February, 2009, the Mayor and the
Deputy Mayor of Guwahati will be elected through direct voting, said Guwahati
Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) Minister and State Government’s
spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma today.
…more…

Workers can contact AIYC
leadership directly(SEN,
10-2-08)
By our Staff
Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 9: All India Youth Congress (AIYC) president Ashok Tanwar today
said that each and every grassroots-level worker of the Youth Congress would be
able to contact the AIYC leadership directly through e-mail, a plan drawn by All
India Congress Committee’s AIYC in-charge Rahul Gandhi who would visit Asom and
the North-east in March-April this year.
…more…

I’ll raise neglect of Asom by Railways: AGP MP(SEN,
17-2-08)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 16: AGP’s Rajya Sabha MP Kumar Dipak Das today said he will raise
the issue of neglect of Asom and the North-east by the Railways in the
forthcoming Budget session.
Talking to The Sentinel today, the MP said: “It’s a matter of shock that even
after 60 years of independence of India, most of the States of the North-east
have not been included in the railway map of the country. Though Asom is in the
rail map of the country, yet the broad gauge lines running to and from the State
are of single lines, which is why the trains are very slow and their frequencies
long.” …more…

Decision to lift ban on movement of poultry
(SEN, 19-2-08)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 18: The Asom Government has decided to lift the ban on movement of
poultry products in the State. The ban was imposed after the outbreak of avian
flu in neighbouring West Bengal about one month back. The decision to lift this
ban has been taken at a high-level meeting chaired by the Additional Chief
Secretary Parul Devi Das here today.
…more…

Kokrajhar bandh evokes total response(SEN,
7-2-08)
From our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Feb 6: The 36-hour Asom bandh given by the Bodo Peoples’ Forum in
protest against the killing of its vice-president Babul Sargairy evoked total
response in Kokrajhar district. Government offices wore a deserted look and all
business establishments and educational institutions remained closed. The
National Highway also was deserted with no vehicular traffic on the highway. The
bandh was also total in Gossaigaon subdivision.

Journalist threatened(SEN,
7-2-08)
From our Correspondent
TEOK, Feb 6: Pulin Boruah, vice president of Teok town committee (TTC)
threatened to kill Riju Saikia, local correspondent of Asomiya Pratidin, general
secretary of Teok Press club and Jorhat district Journalist Association and the
organising secretary of All Assam Journalist Union (AAJU) on account of a news
published in the vernacular daily in its today’s edition.
…more…

Move for ZP president posts to Tea
Tribes(SEN,
7-2-08)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 6: In a joint move, the Congress Tea Cell, Indian National Trade
Union Congress (INTUC) Legislative Forum and the Asom Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS)
have demanded of the Asom Congress leadership to chose tea tribe candidates for
the post of president of the zila parishads in three tea tribe-dominated
districts, out of the six districts where the Congress emerged winner, encashing
the tea tribe votes. The demand in this regard has been placed before APCC
president Bhubaneswar Kalita by a joint delegation of the three organizations
today. …more…

Do away
with quota regime, demands SJP(SEN, 7-2-08)
By our Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 6: The Sadharan Jati Parishad (SJP) has today demanded of
the Government to do away with the system of reservation in education,
appointment, business and other fields as the system grossly deprives the
students and job seekers belonging to general category.
…more…

Repoll
plea(TEL_9_2_K8)

Guwahati, Feb. 8: The Assam United Democratic Front
(AUDF) today moved the Gauhati High Court seeking a repoll in all the 621
polling centres in Hailakandi district instead of the 371 polling centres
announced by the state election commission.
…more…

Tea cell
rings Maoist alarm(TEL_10_2_K8)

– Team
advises CM to cleanse gardens A STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati, Feb. 12: The Congress’s tea cell and the apex
tea labour union of the Brahmaputra Valley today confirmed what police had
feared: tea estates in Assam are turning into Maoist breeding grounds.
…more…

Peaceful
repoll in Hailakandi(TEL_10_2_K8)

Silchar, Feb. 12: The voters in Hailakandi district
today rose to the occasion to ensure a peaceful and hassle-free first phase of
repolling in 166 booths spread over seven zila parishads.
…more…

Campaign(TEL_11_2_K8)

Guwahati, Feb. 10: As part of its mass awareness
campaign, the National Rural Health Mission, Goalpara, staged a street play,
Samayar Khoj, at Panisali in Goalpara district on Friday along with a health
camp organised by the Red Horns division of the army.
…more…

Congress
wins zila parishad(TEL_19_2_K8)

Silchar, Feb. 18: The Congress came up trumps in the
rural panchayat poll in south Assam’s Hailakandi district annexing nine out of
11 zila parishads, the apex body in the three-tier panchayat system of the
state. Hailakandi district’s panchayat election repolling, held on February 12
and 15 in 371 booths, marked the wrapping up of the rural polls which generated
much enthusiasm this time in Assam.
…more…

Bodofa
Nwgwr gets ready for big show(TEL_19_2_K8)

Feb. 18: Eight pandals, at least 1,000
volunteers, a budget of Rs 75 lakh and a guest list that reads like a who’s who
of the Bodo heartland — Bodofa Nwgwr in Dotma can’t wait for the show to begin.
Going by preparations for the 47th annual conference of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha,
to be held from April 9 to 12, this one will by far be the biggest and the best.
Bodoland Territorial Council member Dakendra Nath Brahma laid the foundation of
the main pillar last week, signalling the start of work.
…more…

More dirt
on Beltola mayhem(TEL_19_2_K8)

Guwahati, Feb. 18: The violence that erupted during an
Adivasi rally in Beltola was planned jointly by the All Adivasi National
Liberation Army (ANLA) and the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam, a
woman companion of militant leader Bijay Munda revealed today. Anita Karmakar,
who was picked up for her alleged links with ANLA some time ago, made this
shocking statement before the one-man R.K. Manisena Singh Commission, which is
probing the November 24 mob mayhem in Beltola. One person died and over 200 were
injured in that incident.
…more…

Deluge of
funds, no water(TEL_21_2_K8)

Feb. 20: A deluge of funds and scores of imaginary
irrigation schemes — that, in a nutshell, is the state of affairs in the
irrigation department. On paper, as many as 159 minor irrigation schemes have
been launched in Karbi Anglong so far. In reality, all of them are defunct. Of
the 79,000 hectares of irrigable land in the district, only 52,000 hectares have
partially benefited from government irrigation schemes.
…more…

AGP MPs
seek investment in welfare projects(AST_17_2_K8)
DIBRUGARH, Feb 16 – Public sector ‘Navaratna’, Oil India Limited
(OIL) will be celebrating its golden jubilee from Monday. On the ground, the
company’s activities have been hit hard by an ongoing agitation by the All Assam
Mottock Yuva Chatra Sanmilan. At New Delhi today, Union Petroleum Minister Murli
Deora and his minister of state, Dinshaw J Patel were served separate memoranda
by the AGP MPs, charting out their wish list from the company.
…more…

CPI for talks sans
pre-conditions(AST_17_2_K8)
GUWAHATI, Feb 16 – Expressing concern at the slackening of the peace
process with the banned ULFA, the Communist Party of India (CPI) today called
upon the Centre and the ULFA to get engaged in a dialogue without any
preconditions. “Recent developments have weakened the peace process, and we
appeal to both the Government and the ULFA to start talks without any
preconditions for the greater interests of the people of Assam,” Drupad
Borgohain, secretary, CPI, Assam State council and Promode Gogoi, member, CPI
national executive, said at a press conference.
…more…

Governor visits Jorhat, Majuli(AST_17_2_K8)
JORHAT, Feb 16 – Assam Governor Lt General (retired) Ajai Singh on Friday
held a meeting with the chief engineer of Brahmaputra Board, satradhikars,
freedom fighters and local residents in Majuli during his visit to the river
island. Speaking at the meeting held at the Circuit House there, the Governor
stressed the need for peace for the development of the State.
…more…

Hiranya flays opposition role(AST_17_2_K8)
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 16 – People’s Consultative Group (PCG) member Hiranya Saikia, who
claimed to have received threats on his life from unidentified quarters, on
Friday accused some political parties of “distorting” his versions made at a
recent press conference for fulfilling their “narrow vested interests.”
…more…

Cong retains Hailakandi Zilla
Parishad(AST_19_2_K8)
From Our Correspondent
HAILAKANDi, Feb 18 – The Congress has retained the 11-member Zilla Parishad in
Hailakandi district. After the counting of votes last night, Congress has
officially won eight seats while the AUDF and an independent won one seat each
out of total 11 ZPCs. The results of one Zilla Parishad constituency have not
yet been declared on account of a dispute and the District Administration has
referred it to the State Election Commission (SEC) to take a decision in this
regard. In this seat also, the Congress candidate is ahead of his rival AUDF
candidate. …more…

CPI Sivasagar unit holds
triennial meet(AST_19_2_K8)
SIVASAGAR, Feb 18 – CPI Sivasagar district council observed its 17th
triennial conference at Milan Mandir with a two-day programme.
Ronganath Gogoi, veteran CPI leader, hoisted the party flag and Golok Gogoi paid
floral tributes to the departed comrades. Dharma Baruah, secretary (i/c),
district council, spoke on the objectives and welcomed the delegates.
…more…

Army recruitment rally at
Missamari(AST_19_2_K8)
Guwahati, Feb 18 – A ten-day Army recruitment rally for Morigaon,
Sonitpur and Nagaon districts of Assam is being held since February 15 at
Missamari.
The rally is being held for the post of soldier general duty, soldier tradesman,
soldier clerk/storekeeper, soldier technical and nursing assistant. The rally
will be followed by common entrance exam for selected candidates on February 24,
at the rally site. …more…

Central leaders on poll
campaign trail in NE(AST, 21-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 20 – With the stage set for the Assembly elections in
neighbouring Meghalaya, national leaders of different political parties have
started arriving in this part of the country. Union minister Sharad Pawar, who
is also the national president of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), landed in
Borjhar today and headed for Kharkota to attend a meeting. The State NCP
functionaries informed that Pawar is being accompanied by NCP national secretary
Jimmy George and that his itinerary includes addressing meetings and rallies in
Tura and Shillong. Senior NCP leader PA Sangma is also accompanying Pawar.
…more…

MIS bonus
declared(AST, 21-2-08)
By Our Correspondent
GUWAHATI, Feb 20 – The Ministry of Finance, Government of India, has declared a
bonus of 5 per cent on its Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS) accounts. The
benefit of Income Tax Section 80-C will be available now on post office time
deposit scheme. The senior citizen scheme will also be covered under this
section. …more…

Amguri AGP celebrates panchayat
poll victory(AST,
21-2-08)
From Our Correspondent
AMGURI, Feb 20 – A congratulatory function was arranged to celebrate the
success of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) party in the last Panchayat polls at No
103 Amguri LAC, by SGP Amguri Samashti Samanvoyrakshi Samity at Amguri Natya
Mandir on February 5. …more…

NREGS evokes positive response
in Nalbari dist(AST,
21-2-08)
From Our Correspondent
NALBARI, Feb 20 — The newly introduced National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme (NREGS) has succeeded in getting positive response in Barkshetri
development block areas in Nalbari district especially among the labour class
people. In this minority-dominated development block which has three gaon
panchayats in char areas, work of about Rs 4.50 crore are under way and more
than 2000 labourers are getting daily work in those projects.
…more…

NRI Association of Assam formed(AST,
21-2-08)
GUWAHATI, Feb 20 – A meeting of the non resident Indians from Assam
held here recently to discuss about their long felt willingness to serve the
interest of their homeland– Assam, specially in the field of socio-cultural,
educational, scientific and technological development and make their offsprings
aware of its rich cultural heritage. The meeting addressed by Dr Anil Ranjan
Borthakur, Dr Ashraf Bora, Dr Karuna Sagar Das, Lahori Borthakur, Julie Bora
among others, decided to initiate a move to unite the Assam NRIs living in
different parts of the globe and formed an association with the name and style
as Non Resident Indian Association of Assam with its headquarter at Guwahati.
This was stated in a press release.
…more…

Several join AGP(AST_23-2-08)
From Our Correspondent
DHUBRI, Feb 22 – In the recently completed Panchayat elections, although the
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) failed miserably in Dhubri district, people are yet to
be thoroughly disillusioned with the party. This became evident recently when
some independent candidates in the Panchayat polls and a few individuals
belonging to other parties, joined the party.
…more…

Call to rise against divisive
forces in society(AST_23-2-08)
From Our Correspondent
PATHSALA, Feb 22 – Gyanendra Bhusan, GOC Indian Army, while addressing a
function at Balapara nearhere on February 16, made an appeal to the public to
unite to eliminate the divisive forces from soceity for saving the nation from
jeopardizing the internal and external stability of the country. “Indian Army is
friend of people but enemy of extremists,” he added.
…more…

State parties yet to finalise
candidates(AST_23-2-08)
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 22 – Political parties are yet to adopt decisions on the three
Rajya Sabha (RS) seats falling vacant on April next, while the Assam United
Democratic Front (AUDF) is contemplating to approach the ‘like-minded’ parties
with a plea to support it for one of the Upper House seats. The terms of RS
members Urkhao Gawra Brahma, Dwijen Sarma and Karnendu Bhattacharjee will be
over by the first half of April.
…more…

Draft plan on cabinet
table(TEL_29_2_K8)

Feb. 28: The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority
(GMDA) will place the recommendations of the nine-member committee on the draft
masterplan before the state cabinet within a week. An official source today said
after examining the public objections and suggestions on the draft plan, the
nine-member panel, headed by secretary of the Guwahati development department
(GDD) A.K. Bhutani, has finalised the recommendations. It will be placed before
the cabinet for discussion and approval.
…more…

This entry was posted on May 14, 2009 at 11:58 am and is filed under 2008, Assam, February, Political. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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