The Boroland News

Two ULFA linkmen nabbed in Kokrajhar

2008-05-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, May 10: Two ULFA linkman were nabbed by the army at Amtuli under Fakiragram police station, in Kokrajhar district yesterday morning. The arrested ULFA linkman were identified as Suben Majumdar (26), son of Nabin Majumdar and Biswajit Ghosh (26), son of Sukumar Das, both hailing from Amtuli village. The army recovered a 9mm Bulgarian made pistol, three live ammunitions and four magazines from their possession. The ULFA linkman were later handed over to the police.

No development in State without tribes’ unity: Gogoi

2008-05-10T00:25:00.000-07:00

JORHAT, May 9: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who is on a two-day visit to his home district attended a number of meetings here today. Addressing the first biannual meet of the Thengal Kachari Jatiya Parishad at Jalukonibari as chief guest, Tarun Gogoi said that unless each ethnic tribe and indigenous community strive, the development of the State would lag behind.

“No tribe or community should remain in a backward State and Government is particular about not being partial to one at the cost of another,” the Chief Minister asserted.Stressing on the development works undertaken by the Congress Government, Gogoi said that interior villages had been given various facilities like drinking water, health, education and other infrastructure.

Gogoi also declared a grant of Rs lakh for the Thengal Kachari Jatiya Parishad for various works. Anil Baghbora, president of the Parishad presided over the meeting.

CM ’s next stop was at Dangdhora where he launched a health insurance scheme. He also distributed sewing machines, thread and old age pension cheques to the beneficiaries. Gogoi also attended the Borholla Bihu Sanmillan as chief guest. He also dropped in at a few other meetings called by various organizations tomorrow. He will inaugurate the commercial Tissue Culture lab and launch the wage briddhi for farmers at AAU.

BPIC urged to maintain peace and amity in the region

2008-05-10T00:22:00.000-07:00

BPIC urged to maintain peace and amity in the region Janani Surakshya Yojana alleges misappropriation of funds

UDALGURI, May 9: The Bodoland Peace and Integration Committee (BPIC) and Bodoland Citizens’ Forum has urged all section of people to maintain peace and amity in the region recently. A joint meeting of these two organizations were held at Harisinga HS School premises under the presidentship of Protul Kumar Bhobora.

The meeting has discussed the pros and cons of the prevailing troublesome situation in the region.The meeting has expressed their concern over the kidnapping case of Rijhen Basumatary of Anthaibari village in Udalguri district. He was kidnapped by some unknown miscreants earlier in February 2008.

The joint meeting has urged the kidnappers to release him soon. The meeting has decided to conduct parleys with various parties to establish congenial situation in the region. The meeting was also attended by Rakheswar Brahma, vice president of Bodoland Peace and Integration Committee. This was stated in a release issued by Bireswar Daimary and Sunil Dutta jointly.

The Udalguri district Manav Adhikar Sangram Samiti and Orang Anchalik Nagarik Unnayan and Surakhya Samiti has submitted a memorandum to the Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and authorities concerned demanding an enquiry to the allege misappropriation of funds of Janani Surakhya Yojana in Orang Primary Health Centre.

Meanwhile the secretary of Health and Family Welfare department has ordered an enquiry to the allegation vide letter No. HLS-307/2008/5 dated March 25 2008.The doctor was transferred to Boginadi Primay Health Centre in Lakhimpur and replaced by Dr Dinanath Bhattacharya to look after the health centre, sources added.

Former ULFA ‘commander’ appeals for talks

2008-05-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

TINSUKIA, May 9: A permanent solution to the prolonged problem of the ULFA cannot be obtained either through conflict, surrender or through economic packages. Equal respect from both sides regarding talks is the only way out. Both sides should declare unilateral ceasefire for creating a congenial atmosphere for dialogue. These were the words of ULFA’s 28 Bn ‘commander’ Prabal Neog while talking to the media here yesterday. The self-styled ‘commander’ at present in jail was brought to Tinsukia for his trial at the Tinsukia Court yesterday.

Neog said that both the ULFA and the Government should shed their stubborn attitude and try to find a permanent solution for peace and prosperity in the region. He appealed to the top ULFA leaders to sit for talks. This problem has also led to bloodshed and nothing else, said Neog.

The former commander of the militant outfit clearly stated that he has not sent any letter to Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi regarding talks with the outfit as published in a few newspapers.

The Government is not willing to talk with the sons of the soil, the ULFA. After a few years, such a time will come when the illegal immigrants — Bangladeshi citizens — would be demanding an independent Asom to be carved out from India. The present task would be to save the nation from the illegal immigrants. Asom should have control over its resources, then only the indigenous people will be safe.The jailed ULFA leader, however, said that he is not aware of any letter being sent by one of his former colleagues, Mrinal Hazarika, at present in Dibrugarh Jail, to the Chief Minister.

Neog said that his appeal to the top ULFA leaders to come to the negotiation table was not due to any pressure applied by the Army GOC nor by the IGP, Asom. Rather, he has made this appeal on his own.

New areas encroached in spite of eviction drive by Forest dept

2008-05-09T23:45:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, May 9: New areas are being encroached upon in Lungsung area of Chirang Reserve Forest under Haltugaon division in Kokrajhar district despite repeated eviction drives being carried out. More than 200 families from Jaipur, Runikhata, Bhutiapara Adivasi relief camps have allegedly encroached vast areas in Lungsung since the last two years.

It is worth mentioning here that The Sentinel carried stories regarding massive destruction of forest areas at Lungsung in Chirang Reserve Forest and about illegal encroachment in 2006. Temporary thatch houses had not been erected in 2006, but since the past few months, vast areas are now being allegedly encroached by Adivasi encroachers. The Department of Forest, BTC, had evicted the illegal encroachers several times but failed to drive them back.

In an interview, one Gopi Kisku of Bhutiapara said that they came to Lungsung three years back and their main source of income is through selling firewood. He admitted that they cut trees for the purpose of firewood and cultivation in the land. He also said they did not receive any Rehabilitation Grant (RG) from the Government while they were in the relief camp. Only Rs 2,000 and a bundle of tin sheets were given, he said, adding that the Forest Department has asked them to leave the ‘encroached’ land.

Another Matla Mardi hailing from Runikhata in Chirang district said that they came to Lungsung four years back along with people from at least seven villages to settle there, and added that they did not get any assistance from the Government.

He also said that they depend upon trees of the forest to sell them as firewood. He declined to give any comment on who brought them to the reserve forest. He also said that the Forest Department has instructed them to go back to their respective places.

In an interview, DFO, Haltugaon Division, Rajen Choudhury said the encroachment in Lungsng area of Chirang Reserve Forest took place in April, 2006. The Forest Department, BTC, has carried out many eviction drives at Lungsung, he said, adding that the encroachers are from different relief camps and there is no alternative livelihood for them. For him, an alternative livelihood is a necessity for stopping encroachment of forest land.

Choudhury said the BTC authority has issued instructions to intensify the eviction drive. The department is thinking about skill training to the unemployed camp inmates so that they could be absorbed in various works. For recovery of all degraded forest reserve land, the Task Force will carry out a massive plantation drive in those areas within a short time. He said Army jawans will also help in the task, which has already begun in Tezpur. The massive plantation drive will begin from the last week of May at Lungsung and will be completed within five years.

Brahma favours AGP unification

2008-05-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 9: “The unification move of the AGP holds much significance in so far as the future of the much awaited unity of the regional forces in the State is concerned,” said former Rajya Sabha MP and BPPF leader UG Brahma. “Unity is a much required aspect to uphold the regional causes,” he said.

“We favour unification of the AGP and hope small hurdles which might be come in the way to achieve it will ultimately be removed through consultations,” he said. “AGP can be united by bringing back its former leaders without making any major changes in the present leadership and organizational structure,” he suggested.

The BPPF leader thinks a viable alliance of regional forces can throw a strong challenge to the Congress in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. It may be mentioned here that the ASDC as a united entity, in its recent meeting with the AGP, also favours a viable regional grouping to tackle the ruling Congress.

Brahma blamed the Congress-led Government at Dispur for allegedly turning its back to the volatile law-and-order situation in the BTAD. He said the BPF led by Hagrama Mohilary has been taking advantage of its alliance with the Congress to create terror in the BTAD. “The killers are moving scot–free in VIP cars under police protection and the people who dare to protest are being continuously harassed and tortured by the police,” he said.

False cases have been filed against 500 activists of both the BPPF and the ABSU by the BTC administration since 2005, to keep the Opposition mum, he said. “We are in a total confusion on whom to blame for the current situation in the BTAD — BTC administration, police or Dispur?” said the former Rajya Sabha member. “The tall claims of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi regarding the improvement of the law-and-order situation in the State turns false in the BTAD,” he quipped.

Police in the BTAD seems to act as per the directions of Dispur, which has no policy or programme to control the situation in the Bodo heartland, he said. The BTAD appears to be the only one area in the State where even the unified command structure is not in force, he added.

The Kokrajhar district administration has twice turned down permission to stage an all-party sit-in demonstration in Kokrajhar against the imposition of Section 144 imposed in all four districts under BTAD. The BPPF has decided to move the Gauhati High Court seeking judicial intervention into the matter.

Udalguri SBI’s poor service irks customers

2008-05-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

Udalguri, May 9 – Udalguri town, being the district headquarter of Udalguri district, has emerged as a business hub and centre of all district-based government activities. As a result, the lone State Bank of India branch in the heart of Udalguri town has gained prominence with multile increase in its customer base. Crores of rupees are transacted daily through this branch. But to the utter dismay of its customers, the SBI Udalguri branch has failed miserably to meet the requirements of its customers. A glaring example of this insensitive attitude towards its customers came to light on Wednesday when the accountant of the branch, Abhinash Narzary was found drunk and senseless for more than five hours in the canteen of the bank. This adversely affected service thus creating a lot of trouble to the customers on the weekly market day of Udalguri town.When contacted a section of bank officials expressed their ‘helplessness’.

Talking to this correspondent a section of worried customers said that they were not satisfied at all with the functioning of the bank despite several requests to the bank authority to improve the customer care service.It is worthmentioning here that the present premises of the bank is hardly specious to accomodate the customers of the bank.

Now, the customers of the bank are waiting with expectations to see if the higher authority of the SBI take any step to improve the customer service in Udalguri branch of SBI.

Four ABSU leaders escape bid on life

2008-05-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, May 8: Four ABSU leaders — Sanjib Kumar Brahma, Lakhinath Brahma, Ranjan Kumar Brahma and Kamal Kumar Brahma — escaped unhurt when two gunmen fired at them at Dotma in Kokrajhar district today. It may be mentioned here that a BPPF leader was shot dead by miscreants recently in the district a day after setting afire an NDFB liaison office at Bengtol.

Fake currency notes recovered

2008-05-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, May 8: Fake currency notes of 500-rupee denomination and 1000-rupee denomination have been under circulation in Udalguri district for quite some time now. Some banks here have been using fake currency detectors but a few notes are under circulation even through the banks themselves. A note was detected in the SBI Udalguri recently. State Government employees who withdrew their salary from the bank recently found a large number of fake notes. A school teacher got a forged thousand rupee note when she went to withdraw her salary recently.

Bwiswmuthiary’s call to save ‘Bodo nation’

2008-05-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, May 8: The lone Lok Sabha MP from Bodoland Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary has condemned in the strongest terms the gruesome killing of Basanta Basumatary, lecturer of Kokrajhar College and the secretary of BPPF by unidentified miscreants at Kodomtola, Kokrajhar.Bwiswmuthiary earnestly appealed to all concerned Bodo organizations to refrain from any kind of boomerang activity like fratricide, in the greater interest of the “danger-stricken Bodo Nation”.

Bwiswmuthiary also strongly condemned all kinds of killings and counter-killings perpetrated by miscreants at different places within Bodoland in the recent past. The Kokrajhar MP is of the opinion that the fratricide that took place in the past among the Bodos has weakened the bond of unity and strength among the Bodos as a nation instead of getting them united.In view of the ongoing unfortunate situation prevailing in Bodoland, Bwiswmuthiary fervently appealed to all Bodo groups concerned including their supporters to come forward to help create a congenial and healthy atmosphere, and in the process ensure the survival and development of the Bodo nation as a whole.

No evidence of existence of BRTF: BPF

2008-05-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

BPF youth wing accuses BPPF of trying to hit headlines

KOKRAJHAR, May 8: Any form of killings and violent activities are condemnable in a civilized society.This was stated in a press release today by the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) youth wing, which said that it has never encouraged this type of “uncivilized nature in the society”, which could pose a threat to the integrity and population of the nation.

The BPF youth wing expressed deep shock over the killing of Basanta Kumar Basumatary, lecturer of Kokrajhar College, who was also one of the secretaries of the BPPF led by Rabiram Narzary by unknown miscreants on May 6 at Khwdwmtola in Kokrajhar. “The incident is very unfortunate for all and we also express our heartfelt sorrow,” the BPF youth wing stated.

But the BPF has vehemently protested against some baseless allegations published in certain newspapers that the BPF youth wing and BRTF, a newly-floated outfit were behind the killing of Basanta Kumar Basumatary and the torching of the NDFB camp at Silpata in Chirang district on the night of May 5.

The news reports also alleged that the BPF youth wing and the BRTF attempted to set afire an NDFB camp at Banaldoba in Chirang district on that day. Apart from these, the BPF youth wing has also condemned the allegations of the BPPF, NDFB and the BPFPR that the youth wing and the so-called BRTF are involved in killings and attacks in the BTC region.

“It is difficult for us to understand that the BPPF, NDFB and the BPFPR have always blamed us for any untoward incident in the region,” the BPF youth wing further stated. “Is the BPF solely responsible for all hurdles in the BTC? Why these leaders do not say anything about the killings of ex-BLT cadres on many occasions,” the BPF questioned.

The BPF has stated that there is no such existence of the BRTF at the behest of the BPF as alleged by the BPPF and the NDFB leaders. “The Congress or the BPF are not patronizing any underground outfit as has appeared in certain newspapers. So far our knowledge is concerned, the existence of the BRTF under BPF is simply an allegation and the Opposition is playing the blame game” said the BPF youth wing.”

If there is a BRTF, then BPPF president Rabiram Narzary should be able to prove with material evidence. The Opposition leaders are floating these news just for grabbing political headlines, the youth wing stated. The BPF youth wing has called upon the people belonging to all communities not to be misguided by such baseless allegations levelled by the Opposition leaders. The youth wing has always concentrated in the developmental aspect of the region and in maintaining peace and tranquillity among all, the party further stated.

Car set on fire; BPPF calls another bandh today

2008-05-08T02:52:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, May 7: A Maruti van (WB-74-F-3680) was set afire at Goshkata under Dotma PS at around 11.30 am during the 12-hour Kokrajhar bandh called by the BPPF, in protest against the killing of Basanta Kumar Basumatary, lecturer of Kokrajhar College and BPPF secretary. The Merchants’ Association, Kokrajhar, also called a 12-hour Kokrajhar town bandh in protest against the assault on Mula Gandra alias Birhary Mashahary by a PSO on May 5. Meanwhile, BPPF president Rabiram Narzary told The Sentinel today that the party has called another bandh tomorrow against the failure of the State Government in providing security to the lives of the people.

Directive on BTAD scene

2008-05-08T02:51:00.001-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 7: The Asom Government has instructed deputy commissioners of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri to take action against those who are indulging in criminal activities and trying to disturb peace and harmony, a press release said.

Complete all schemes in 3 years, Gogoi tells bureaucrats

2008-05-08T02:45:00.001-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 7: Reviewing the works done in the first two years of his Government at a meeting at Dispur last night, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi asked the top-level officials of his Government to take up only those works that can be completed within this term of the Government so that no work is left half-done. The Congress-BPF Government in the State is going to complete two years on May 15. The Chief Minister also asked the IAS officers to drastically reduce their visits to New Delhi and go to rural and remote areas of the State so that they can take stock of progress of works of various schemes and projects.

Talking to newsmen in Guwahati today, Asom Government spokesman Himanta Biswa Sarma said: “The Chief Minister told the officials in no uncertain terms that he only wanted results. No schemes should be left half-done, and all schemes should be completed in the remaining three years of this Government.”

“I have checked tour diaries of IAS officers and seen that some of them have visited New Delhi very frequently. Cut your Delhi visits drastically and go to the rural and remote areas of the State to take stock of progress of schemes. For works that can be done without Delhi tour of IAS officers, junior-level officials should be sent to get the works done. Now on, I will personally check tour diaries of all the IAS officers,” Sarma quoted the Chief Minister as telling the officers at the meeting.

According to Sarma, Gogoi made it clear before the top-level officials that they would have to spend the amounts allocated to their respective departments in the Budget. “If any department fails to use the funds allocated to it in the Budget, fund allocation to it will be drastically reduced, and the amount will be diverted to the performing departments. To ensure it, the Assembly will sit thrice a year — in July, November and March. If a department cannot use the funds allocated to it, the unused funds will be diverted to other departments in the sittings of the Assembly in November and March,” Sarma quoted Gogoi as telling the officials.

When asked about the outcome of the meeting, Sarma took a step forward on his own, and said: “In the remaining three years of this Government, we will solve the ULFA and ethnic problems of the State through talks, update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and fence the international border with Bangladesh. If the Government can’t perform, not to speak of a united AGP, the divided AGP will also be able to show Congress the door.”

Most of the officers were of the opinion that funds continue to pour in but the fund-absorbing capacity of the departments is too low. To overcome that hurdle, Sarma said: “We have to take schemes in a planned and time-bound manner in accordance with priority.”

Miru Baisagu Khunthai celebrated at Kalaigaon

2008-05-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

KALAIGAON, May 7 – The 10th ‘Miru Baisagu Khunthai’ was celebrated recently at the public play ground here at Kalaigaon. It was organised by ‘Kalaigaon Bishunga Harimu Afad’ with cooperation from people of all the communities.

Baisagu flag was hoisted on the first day by Ranjit Baro, president, reception committee followed by various cultural and sports competitions. Several distinguished senior social workers of Kalaigaon were felicitated publicly with ‘Aarnai’. The concluding day of the session began with marathon race which was flagged off by DN Hazarika, CO, Kalaigaon.

A souvenir Ranjali was released by Maheswar Baro, MLA, Kalaigaon. The souvenir was sponsored jointly by social workers of Kalaigaon Dandi Kumar Baro and Krishna Baro, in memory of their father Dali Ram Baro and mother Dhuli Baro.

Releasing the Ranjali Maheswar Baro urged people to show respect to folk cultures of NE India. He also requested the organising committee to maintain a record of the activities and history of the organising committees since its beginning in 1999. Appointed speaker Phukan Baro, requested people of all communities to maintain communal harmony and to respect folk cultures of North East.

The chief guest of the day Lumsraw Daimari, EM of BTAD described ‘Baisagu’ or Rongali Bihu as ‘blood’ of the people of Assam. Hiren Deka Narzi, Principal, Khoirabari College, Mugthag Baro, experts of Bodo culture, Dandi Rabha, MCLA of BTAD, Nabin Chandra Baro, Inspector of Schools, Udalguri also spoke a few words on the occasion. The open session was presided over by Ranjit Baro, president, 10th Miru Ranjali Baisagu Ranjali Khunthai, Kalaigaon. The session concluded with an attractive cultural function in the evening.

NDFB political dialogue yet to start: Centre

2008-05-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, May 7 – A day after the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) announced its plans to hold a massive rally on Saturday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that preliminary discussion with the militant outfit is yet to start. Confusion over the status of the political dialogue with the militant outfit today prompted the MHA to clarify its position. Assam Government’s discomfort over the issue may also be one of the reasons that led the Ministry to clarify its position.

Official sources told this newspaper that the meeting on May 1 held at North Block with the militant outfit was not part of the political dialogue process. The meeting chaired by Special Secretary (Internal Security) ML Kumawat was also attended by Joint Secretary (North-east) Navin Verma and other senior officials of the Ministry.

Sources confided that at the meeting, the five-member NDFB delegation led by its general secretary Govinda Basumatary handed over a sealed envelope. The envelope was not even opened in their presence, hence the question of holding preliminary discussions doesn’t even arise, sources said.

“We have been pressing NDFB to submit its charter of demands since the past three years, however, there has been little progress in this regard,” sources said.

The only contact the MHA had with NDFB was the Joint Monitoring Committee meetings, which reviewed the ceasefire agreement and the implementation of the ground rules, sources added.

The two sides had entered into a suspension of operation pact on June 1, 2005.NDFB continues to remain a banned militant outfit under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, sources added.

The fan fare with which the NDFB has been ‘celebrating’ the handing over of the charter of demands in the form of a memorandum to the Centre has obviously rattled Tarun Gogoi Government more than the Centre. The Congress is running an alliance government with BPPF, the rival faction.

The NDFB has announced its plans to hold a mammoth rally at Udalguri on May 10. The Bodo militant outfit has been tightlipped about its charter of demands. The release it issued was vague about its demands. The memorandum was a reflection of the Bodo people’s historical rights, the long-cherished hopes and aspirations as well as the principles and ideology of the NDFB, said information and publicity secretary of the outfit, S Sanjarang.

According to reports, Dispur has already cautioned the Centre over the possibility of initiating a dialogue on the basis of the demand for a separate country of Bodoland, pointing towards other militant outfits like ULFA, which are waiting in the wings with similar demands.

Moreover, the stated policy of the Union Government is not to entertain any demand for a dialogue, which is outside the purview of the Constitution. All discussions have to be within the four corners of the Constitution.

In fact, the prime reason behind the collapse of the ULFA peace process is the outfit’s insistence on discussing the ‘core issue’ of sovereignty of Assam. Even the NSCN peace process has now boiled down to the unification of the Naga-inhabited areas spread over the three States of Manipur, Assam and Arunchal Pradesh.

NE MPs move Lalu over Rangiya Rail div

2008-05-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, May 6 – The bid to bifurcate the profit-making Bongaigaon section from Rangiya Division to Alipurduar Division has snowballed into a major controversy, with the MPs belonging to the North-east, today petitioning the Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad, opposing the move. Agitated MPs under the banner of the North East MPs Forum met the Railway Minister and submitted a letter, urging him to stop the move. The move may jeopardise the health of the existing Division within the Region, they argued.

The delegation included PCC president and Rajya Sabha MP, Bhubaneswar Kalita, former Union Minister, Biren Baishya, Kirip Chaliha, Dr Arun Kumar Sarma, Biswajit Daimary, Silvius Condpan. Interestingly, president of Indian Olympic Association, Suresh Kalmadi was present, when the MPs submitted the memorandum at the Parliament House.

As the then Railway Minister, Kalmadi had laid the foundation stone of the Rangiya Division in 1995. Kalita, describing the move as sinister ploy to ruin the Rangiya Division, said that because of Bongaigaon section, Rangiya Division has been earning a profit of Rs 57 crore on an average. This perhaps is the only profit-making Division of the NF Railway. On the other hand, Alipurduar Division is in the red.

The move, said Daimary, is to bifurcate Saprakata Station in Bongaigaon district out of Rangiya Division and join it with Alipurduar Division.

Kokrajhar bandh today

2008-05-07T01:26:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, May 6: The Kokrajhar Marchant Association (KMA) has called a 12-hour Kokrajhar district bandh on May 7 in protest against the physical assault to a trader by the PSO of BPPF president last night.

Centre to review State ST status demand

2008-05-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, May 6 – The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has called for additional information from the Assam Government on its proposal to accord Schedule Tribe (ST) status to six ethnic communities of the State. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has sought additional justification from Government of Assam on their proposal for inclusion of six communities in the ST List of Assam, said Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Dr Rameshwar Oraon in reply to a question by Kumar Deepak Das in the Rajya Sabha.

The Ministry confirmed having received a proposal from Government of Assam along with a copy of the resolution of Assam Legislative Assembly, on August 5, 2004 for inclusion of Koch Rajbongshi, Tai-Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak and communities belonging to tea and ex-tea garden in the ST list of the State.

The proposal has been processed according to the modalities approved by Government of India on June 15, 1999 for determining the claims for inclusion and exclusion from other modifications in consultation with appropriate authorities. They are the concerned State Government, Register General of India and National Commission for ST, he said.

NDFB’s pro-talks rally at Udalguri on March 10

2008-05-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 6: In order to show mass support base in favour of the much-awaited peace talks between the Government and the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), the rebel group is going to hold a mammoth public gathering at Udalguri on May 10.

All peace-loving people of Bodo-inhabited areas in the State and Bodo civil organizations are expected to join the rally to register their unanimous support to the peace talks between the Government and the outfit, NDFB sources said.

It may be mentioned here that the NDFB submitted its charter of demands in the form of a memorandum to the Centre on May 1 to put an end to the about-three-year-long deadlock in initiating the peace process between the Government and the outfit since the signing of the ceasefire agreement between the two on June 1, 2005. The outfit is eagerly expecting early response from the Centre to its demands, though it is still not clear whether the NDFB’s demand for sovereignty was in the memorandum or not.

However, the Boro People’s Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR), which has been working overtime to start negotiation between the Government and the NDFB, is of the view that if the Government is truly sincere to the peace and development of “Boroland”, it should be prepared to hold talks with the NDFB, irrespective of the demands of the outfit.

“Let the talks start first,” said Bhramon Baglary, BPFPR president, when contacted by The Sentinel today. The differences, if any, can be sorted out through dialogue, he said. However, Baglary, contradicting the part of his statement published in the press today, said the NDFB’s demands placed through the memorandum to the Centre might be within the ambit of the constitution of the outfit. “But, in fact, I know nothing about the demands mentioned in the memorandum,” he added.

NDFB office torched; BPPF secy shot dead

2008-05-07T01:14:00.000-07:00

BPF out to kill common people under patronage of Dispur, alleges Rabiram

KOKRAJHAR, May 6: The glimmer of hopes for restoration of peace that appeared in the BTAD with the NDFB submitting its charter of demands in the form of a memorandum to the Centre on May 1 has suffered a serious setback when suspected BRTF and former BLT cadres set afire the Silpatta liaison office of the NDFB near Kajalgaon in Chirang district last night, and shot dead BPPF (Rabiram) general secretary Basanta Basumatary this evening. The twin incident came close on the heels of various Bodo organizations’ rousing welcome to the NDFB leaders who returned to the State from New Delhi yesterday.

Talking to The Sentinel, Bengtol NDFB camp “commander” B Rubu said: “A group of the BRTF, a newly floated outfit, came on bicycles and opened fire targeting the camp. After a few minutes, a number of former BLT cadres joined them and started firing from sophisticated weapons. We have also retaliated the firing.” Later the camp was totally torched by the BRTF and former BLT cadres, sources said.

Sources said the group of ex-BLT and BRTF also made an attempt to set afire the NDFB liaison office at Bangaldoba at around 10 pm last night, but the alert NDFB cadres foiled the attempt. According to NDFB sources, Silpatta and Bangaldoba NDFB liaison offices were manned by 15 members each. The NDFB alleged that Chirang police was partial in both the incidents.

In another incident, BPPF (Rabiram) general secretary Basanta Basumatary, who was a lecturer of Kokrajhar Government College, was shot dead by armed assailants when he was shopping at Khwdwmtola Market in Kokrajhar at 6 pm today. Basumatary, who hailed from Mwinamata in Baksa district, left his wife and a daughter.

BPPF president Rabiran Narzary condemned the killing of Basumatary, and said the State Government and the BTC have failed to control law and order in the BTAD. “BPF and former BLT cadres have been killing common people in the BTAD under the patronage of the Congress-BPF Government in the State,” he added.

Postal delay causes academic loss to student

2008-05-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Postal delay causes academic loss to student Dept of Posts takes 19 days to cover a distance of 100 km

TANGLA, May 5: At a time when private courier services have been posing a challenge to the Government of India’s Postal Department through quick and ensured services to their customers, the Department of Posts, on the other hand is not bothered to satisfy its customers with sincere and timely work.

The Department, at least in this part of the country, has miserably failed to look into the interests and necessities of customers. For the Department, it seems that the customers are not valued customers at all. The following fact will speak for itself as to how seriously and sincerely the Postal Department respects the interests of its customers.

How long can a letter posted at the Gauhati University PO, in Guwahati, take to reach Tangla at a distance of 100 km? Seven days or 10 days at best. However, the Department of Posts takes more than 19 days to make the letter reach Tangla.

Believe it or not, a letter from the Post Graduate Correspondence School (PGCS) of Gauhati University was posted at the Gauhati University PO on April 11 and it was directed to North Lakhimpur Head PO where it was sealed dated April 16. However, it reached Tangla, its destination, on April 30, and the same was delivered to the addressee at 12 noon.

The letter had completed the long journey from Guwahati to North Lakhimpur and then to Tangla no doubt, but it has failed to serve the purpose for which the PGCS had sent it.The letter in question was a notice to one Sankar Jyoti Dutta of Tangla asking him to attend the first contact session for the PGCS final year at 9.30 am on April 30 at the BT Hostel, Gauhati University campus. But to the credit of the inefficiency of the Department of Posts, the notice came to Sankar’s hand only on April 30.

It is known to everybody that from Tangla to Guwahati by road it takes almost two-and-a-half hours. Thus, for the negligence and inefficiency of the Postal Department, Sankar, a student of the PGCS, GU, had to suffer academic loss.

The people here are of the opinion that the Department of Posts should find out if the delay in delivery to the addressee was due to the fault of the Postal personnel or due to the long course of the journey.

A number of guardians here have demanded of the Postal authorities to institute an inquiry into the whole affair and if anyone is found guilty, he should be given exemplary punishment.

Nath Yogis allege dictatorship by sanmilani leaders

2008-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

BTC Nath Yogi Sanmilani dissolved

KOKRAJHAR, May 5: Coming down heavily against the present leaders of BTC Nath Yogi Sanmiloni for their alleged vested interest, a section of senior members of the Sanmailani today dissolved the BTC NYS by a majority vote and reconstituted it for a period of three months.

In a press release issued by the BTC NYS, the vice president Gojen Chandra Nath said that a meeting of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri ditricts of NYS was held at pensioners’ Bhaban, Kokrajhar yesterday and spoke at length about the present leadership of the Sanmiloni who are working only for their self interest defying the interest of the society.

The meeting severely criticized the general secretary of the NYS Prakash Nanda Nath for his alleged involvement in anti organizational activities. The meeting expelled present senior leaders of the NYS Prakash Nanda Devnath, president and Dulal Devnath, general secretary along with 12 other members for a period of three months.

The senior Nath Yogi leaders also said that the newly formed Baksa district committee of NYS at the initiative of Prakash Nanda Nath was totally illegal and unacceptable.

The release said that the formation of Baksa district committee without dissolving the existing committee by Prakash Nanda Nath was totally “illegal” and quite “political”. The meeting also disqualified the new district committee.

In a separate press release, the Rangia District NYS leaders criticized the monopoly and anti organizational activities of some Nath Yogi Sanmiloni leaders under Prakash Nanda Nath who are always hankering after money. They also called upon the Nath Yogi people not to be misguided by such leaders.The Rangia district committee and newly reconstituted body termed the Naokata convention of the NYS scheduled to be held on May 10 and May 11 as quite political.

The release call upon the people not to take part in the convention which is being arranged for the self political interest of a section of sanmiloni leaders and asked to consider it to be anti Nath Yogi people.

IT lines up affirmative aid

2008-05-06T04:12:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, May 5: Graduate engineers from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes struggling to find jobs may soon receive special coaching at “finishing schools” jointly sponsored by the Centre and information technology companies.
The social justice and empowerment ministry has approved a proposal from IT firms to jointly subsidise the training of students at the Hyderabad-based Institute of Electronic Governance (IEG), run by the Andhra Pradesh government.
Infosys, Oracle, Intel, IBM, Microsoft and Railtel are among the companies that have expressed interest in supporting the scheme, sources told The Telegraph.
The initiative comes on the heels of pressure on the private sector to introduce job quotas. But industry has been promising the government that it would help equip the weaker sections to find jobs on their own merit.
Confirming the tie-up, an Infosys spokesperson said the company would subsidise the stay of the students and provide “technical and infrastructural support to the Centre and the IEG”.
“While there is no question of any discrimination in selections on our part, it is true that SC/ST candidates — engineers in our case — often lack the finer skills a top company requires. That is the reason we are entering into the scheme,” the spokesperson said.
In February, Infosys had sent a proposal on behalf of the firms and the IEG to the ministry, asking for central support.
“The funds will be taken from our existing budget for special tuition to SC/ST students. Our approval has already been sent to Infosys, asking them to forward the same to the other partners,” a ministry source said.
By December 2009, the IEG is expected to train up to 2,500 students, the official said.
The students will go in batches of 100 each, and the course will run for around 20 days a batch, the source said.
“The course will consist of two components. The first will involve training in human resource skills, essentially English. The second will consist of training with engineering teachers,” the source added.
The IT firms have volunteered to help provide technical knowhow. The Centre will pay Rs 45,000 a student to the IEG.
In addition, each outstation student will be given a stipend of Rs 1,500 a month. Students based in Hyderabad will receive Rs 750. The students will have to clear an admission test to join the course.
A study by UGC chairman Sukhdeo Thorat last year had revealed that SCs occupy less than one per cent of top private sector jobs.

Udalguri cultural team to represent BTAD in Himachal Pradesh

2008-05-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, May 4 – Munamadan Nepali Sanskritik Manch, Udalguri is going to represent Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) in the multifarious cultural congregation to be held at Solan in Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.

The multifarious cultural congregation of Indian folk cultural troupes will take place from June 12 to 18 next at Solan for which the Nepali cultural team Munamadan Nepali Sanskritik Manch of Udalguri district from Assam has been invited by the organizer of the mega cultural mela.

This was made known to the press here by Paban Luitel, secretary of Munamadan Nepali Sanskritik Manch in a press communiqué. The press note informed that a 17-member team of the cultural organization would demonstrate ‘Sangini’, a popular form of Nepali folk dance in the mega mela. The other members of the cultural team are Purna Chetry, Kumar Pradhan, Raman Adhikari, Narayan Ghimireh, Seeta Sarmah, Neeta Sarmah, Jyoti Rijal, Ambika Chetry, Bhanita Devi, Deepali Ojha, Tanuja Rijal, Januka Chetry, Tikamaya Devi, Binu Devi, Sunita Devi and Bidya Upadhyaya.

It is to be noted that the Munamadan Nepali Sanskritik Manch of Udalguri has already earned laurels on various occasions by demonstrating the Nepali folk culture in various places in the state.

Health sub-centre in rent house

2008-05-05T00:13:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, May 4: Believe it or not, but it is fact that a primary health sub-centre at village Diabari, Andurjhar under Bilasipara subdivision in Dhubri district has been running in a rented house since last 18 years.

The building of the primary health sub-centre which was completed in 1990 collapsed due to certain lapses and now its existence is beyond recognition.

In an interview with the Sentinel Pradip Wary of Diabari said he has donated one bigha of land for the establishment of a primary health sub-centre in their village and accordingly the sub-centre was established in 1989 by the Joint Director of Health Services, Dhubri.

He said new primary health sub-centre building was constructed by the PWD (Building), Dhubri division and completed in 1990.

“The construction of a new sub-centre building is lagging behind for not handing over the work to the health department by the PWD (Building),” he said adding that the building has totally collapsed now and the thin sheets either got scrapped or damaged by storm.

Meanwhile when asked as to why the PWD (Building) did not hand over the building, Wary replied that irregularities of Excecutive Engineers of PWD (Building) was the main reason behind the failure of opening of the new building. He further said that the primary health sub-centre has been running at his house since the last 18 years.

He also said only a nurse use to visit the primary health sub-centre every Wednesday.

Another villager Rishan Kumar Wary told the Sentinel that the villagers have been facing several hardship due to lack of doctor and health facilities. He said that the patients are taken to Bilasipara or Dhubri through the deplorable roads. Apart from roads, the local peoples have no proper drinking water facilities and Bodo medium Schools in the area.

Car taken away after making owner senseless

2008-05-05T00:12:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, May 4: A Maruti Alto car (AS-01-X-5350) was taken away by some unidentified miscreants after making the car owner senseless here at Udalguri. According to sources, a man went to the residence of one Jonas Daimary in Ambagaon and asked him whether he would be able to bring a few doctors from Udalguri to Harisinga, where a malaria camp was being organized. When Daimary asked the man as to why he did not employ drivers from Udalguri but came to Ambagaon, the man replied that the Udalguri drivers charge very high prices. As per the agreement, Daimary brought the doctors and when he contacted the man over telephone, he was asked to come to Galaxy Hotel here. When he went to the hotel, he was asked to sit for a while, as a meeting was going on, and was served some food. After consuming the food, Daimary felt drowsy, and later when he regained senses, he found himself at a hospital. His car was also missing. One of the waiters at the hotel, however, said that Daimary was lying in the middle of the road and was admitted at the hospital by the hotel owner. Daimary has filed a complaint at the police station.

From rags to riches: Two success stories from Tangla

2008-05-05T00:08:00.000-07:00

From rags to riches: Two success stories from Tangla From our CorrespondentTANGLA, May 4: At a time when youths of Asom and the country as a whole have been hankering after Government or company jobs and in the process getting frustrated with no future prospects, at least a few youths of Bhergaon subdivision in Udalguri district under the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) have attained self-sufficiency and self-dependence through hard work devoted to agriculture, sericulture and cottage industries like handloom and weaving. These youths are now satisfied with what they have done and have been earning rich benefits out of their own projects. Of course, these youths have not been alone throughout and have been guided and assisted by the Agriculture Development Wing of the Assam Branch of the Indian Tea Association (ABITA).

Bimal Boro is a youth of 26 years and he studied up to class X, but could not pass the High School Leaving Certificate Examination. But that did not make him stay idle for a miracle to happen to give him an opportunity for employment. The ABITA Mangaldai branch under the leadership of Agriculture Development Officer Mohan Deka came forward to help Bimal in taking up horticulture as an employment at his village No. 3 Dimakuchi. For starting the self-sponsored scheme, Bimal had to sell his family’s chickens and pigs in the year 1999. But, prior to that he underwent training at Nagaon and in Nodia, West Bengal being deputed by the agriculture department. He undertook training in horticulture for one week each at Nagaon and Nodia. The local MLA, Kamali Basumatary, also gave him Rs 15,000 from the Individual Beneficiary Scheme (IBS).

Initially, Bimal started his horticulture project by somehow managing an amount of Rs 7,000. Now, he is the owner of a plot of land measuring 12 bighas where he has grown 5,000 pineapple plants, 200 coconut trees besides having a nursery for lemon trees, including the gol nemu and the kazi nemu. He also has about 40,000 orange saplings ready for sale. Besides these, he has also planted tea at a plot of about 8 bighas. “This small tea garden is a by-product of the nursery,” says Bimal.

Speaking about his guide throughout his project, Bimal says that his 70-year-old mother has been his best guide in his life so far. Bimal’s mother — Phaneswari Basumatary — is still physically fit to do all kinds of domestic work. Bimal further said that people from Nagaland, Manipur, Nagaon, Hojai and Jorhat besides local people come to him to buy his nursery products. Now, he has employed permanent labourers to look after his nursery and other related work. He also says that at least 10 youths of his locality have been inspired by him and these unemployed youths have followed suit.

Bimal is also an activist of the Dimakuchi Anchalik Committee of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) for which he needs to engage himself in organizational work from time to time. Bimal, who was a young unemployed youth at a time, now has over 60 bighas of land bought from the income of his nursery, in which he has already invested Rs 1.5 lakh. When asked about his source of technical expertise, Bimal replied that the Mangaldai branch of the ABITA through its Agricultural Development Officer Mohan Deka, who is a London-trained retired Government agriculture officer, rendered him all possible help including technical know-how.The people of the locality have highly hailed the venture of Bimal who, according to them, has shown a good example of self-dependence and thus proved the truth of the maxim “where there is a will, there is a way”.

One Dhiren Boro of Sadhubasti No. 1 Dimakuchi village in Bhergaon subdivision in Udalguri district is a teacher of Uttar Sekhar ME School. He graduated in Arts from Tangla College and joined as a teacher 13 years ago. He later married Tarulata Deka and is the father of a child.

Dhiren was satisfied with his job at the school and also with his small family. But then, he developed a keen interest in “som” cultivation and reeling yarn. Most importantly, his wife became an active partner in turning his dreams into reality. After his school duty in the day, Dhiren devoted his time to som cultivation.

Besides, a four bigha plot of paddy cultivation, he has, at present, five bighas of land for som cultivation.Dhiren has been doing som cultivation for the last 12 years and his wife has been reeling yarn for the last eight years. He has got four yarn reeling machines — two purchased on his own and two bought through the 50 per cent subsidy scheme from the Central Silk Board. Dhiren says that in a year he sell an average of 20 kg yarn at Rs 4,000 per kg. When asked as to where he finds the market to sell his products, he replied that he sells his products in the local weaving centres and for large-scale business, he often goes to Sualkuchi.

As to the number of som trees and their management, Dhiren informed that he has now 550 trees and he engages seasonal workers on daily-wage basis to take care of the same. In the same breath, Dhiren also said that he has already invested Rs 2.5 lakh in his venture out of his monthly salary as a teacher and from the income gained from his paddy cultivation.It is worth mentioning here that Dhiren Boro’s wife Tarulata Deka Boro is also a graduate and even being a housewife, she has been contributing actively to her husband’s projects in this remote village. Replying to a question as to why she being a graduate, did not opt for a Government or other jobs, she said that she was very happy with her husband and her married life, and, therefore, she preferred, in these days of scarcity of jobs, to help her husband in cultivating som trees and reeling yarn besides remaining a true housewife.

In the case of Dhiren and Tarulata too, the ABITA, Mangaldai Circle, through the Agricultural Development Office offered assistance free of cost. The ABITA has provided this young couple disease-free som seeds along with necessary technical know-how. This was gratefully acknowledged by Dhiren and Tarulata before this correspondent. Thus, this couple of Sadhubasti No. 1 Dimakuchi village has become an ideal educated couple, though engaged in cultivation, and an inspiration for many people like them.

750 MW project to be completed by 2011: Ramesh

2008-05-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Rs 4,375 crore sanctioned for the Salakati power plant

KOKRAJHAR, May 4: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Power Jairam Ramesh paid a visit to the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) project at Salakati in Kokrajhar district and formally launched the civil work. Ramesh was accompanied by Asom Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi, Minister of Transport Chandan Brahma, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Deputy Chief Kampa Borgoyary and EMs Derhasat Basumatary and Emanuel Mashahary.

In a brief interaction with mediapersons, Jairam Ramesh said the work for the construction of the 750 MW NTPC project at the existing non-operational Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station (BTPS), Salakati, has been launched formally. He said the first 250 MW of power would be commissioned by February 2011 and within May of the same year (2011), the 750 MW NTPC project would be fully operational.

Asom Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi said the State was facing a shortfall of power due to scarcity of the required water volume. He said the State was depending on hydel power where people cannot expect sufficient power during the dry season. Sufficient and regular power could be expected only from thermal power projects, he said, adding that people will get more power when the NTPC at Salakati power plant is completed.

The NTPC has approved an amount of Rs 4,375 crore for the power plant at Salakati in Kokrajhar district. It is worth mentioning here that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had laid the foundation stone of the 750 MW NTPC project at Salakati on January 16, 2006.

Storm lashes Rowta

2008-05-04T04:30:00.000-07:00

ROWTA CHARIALI, May 3: A heavy storm lashed greater Rowta Chariali area under Udalguri district yesterday and the day before. Hundreds of houses, trees, electric wires were damaged besides injuring three persons.

‘Hiring Oriya labourers was not a show of superiority complex’

2008-05-04T04:26:00.000-07:00

Engagement of Orissa labourers at NTPC irks locals

KOKRAJHAR, May 3: The engagement of migrant labourers from Orissa at the construction site of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plant at Salakati drew sharp reactions among the local labourers. It may be noted here that as many as 65 labourers from Orissa have been engaged in the work at the existing Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station (BTPS) at Salakati by the IB Trading Company Private Limited — a company from outside the State — whereas local youths are being denied such opportunities.

Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Executive Member from Salakati constituency, Derhasat Basumatary has vehemently condemned the BTPS officials for their discriminatory attitude and for engaging migrant labourers from Orissa by violating the rules laid down for the benefit of the local people. He said neither local people nor the labour department or labour union were informed about labourer engagement, and demanded that 80 per cent labourers should be from the locality.Basumatary also fired a salvo at the officials of the IB Trading Company Private Limited for engaging labourers from Orissa and ignoring local labourers. He also said the matter would be taken seriously, which has hurt the sentiments of local people. The people from Orissa might not even return to their State and may stay back and settle down in Asom even after the contract period is over, he said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Power Pradyut Bordoloi also expressed displeasure over the engagement of labourers from Orissa and Bihar and said that all labourers should have been employed from the locality.

In an interview to The Sentinel, the in-charge of the labour unit, Ramasary Biswakarma, who is also from Orissa, said that as many as 65 labourers from Orissa have been brought by the IB Trading Company Pvt Ltd and are being engaged in the work. He said their contract is for six months only.

Replying to a question, Biswakarma said that cases of stealing of iron rods and other materials from the scrapping site was true but they do not know who stole them because they work only in the daytime.

Speaking to mediapersons, a labourer, Murul Hoque, admitted that thieves are on the prowl near the project sites and iron rods and other assets of the BTPS are being taken away. He, however, said that he did not know about the alleged involvement of officials with antisocial elements.Meanwhile, villagers of Dogorpara on condition of anonymity said that an influential executive engineer of the BTPS (name kept hidden) is involved in a nexus with thieves as stealing of iron rods and other assets was continuing even in broad daylight and that too in his presence.

On the other hand, two officials of the IB Trading Company Pvt Ltd allegedly misbehaved with mediapersons at the BTPS Guest House and had altercation with them on the reported labourer issue. The officials, however, denied the fact that the engagement of labourers was a show of superiority complex and that they think that local people are not fit for the work.

However, local people have said that the officials who spoke in Bengali with one another, used to speak in English with the local people so that they would not understand what was going on.

Boy injured

2008-05-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

Batasipur 03: A 15-year old boy, Raj Narzary, was injured last night when GRP fired in the air to disperse supporters of the NDFB at Batasipur station in Sonitpur district.
The group, which was celebrating the NDFB submitting its charter of demands to the Centre, was bursting crackers at the station when the Arunachal Express chugged in.
When the group did not heed to the request not to burst crackers, the police fired in the air.
One bullet accidentally hit Raj. He has been shifted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.

Delhi warned on Bodo talks

2008-05-04T03:53:00.000-07:00

Guwahati/Kokrajhar, May 2: Dispur today warned New Delhi that if it accepted the National Democratic Front of Boroland’s memorandum demanding “liberation of Bodoland” to start a dialogue with the outfit, it would strengthen Ulfa’s argument to sit for talks only if sovereignty was discussed.
The Centre had all along been saying that talks with the NDFB could not begin despite a three-year truce because the outfit had not submitted its charter of demands. The NDFB submitted its memorandum yesterday.
Sources said if the Centre now started talks with the NDFB on the basis of this memorandum, then there was no reason why it could not initiate a dialogue with Ulfa, which also has been asking for its main demand sovereignty to be put on the agenda.
Like the NDFB, Ulfa, too, has been waging an armed struggle for the liberation of Assam. The banned outfit said it would sit for negotiations with the government only if its demand for sovereignty was discussed in the talks, a condition that has been rejected by the government.
Writer and peace activist Mamoni Raisom Goswami has also been asking the government to at least start the negotiations with Ulfa as merely discussing the issue will not mean giving sovereignty to Assam.
All peace efforts initiated so far have come to nought on this sticky point.
The NDFB entered into a ceasefire with Delhi and Dispur on May 24 and formal truce got under way from June 1, 2005.
The group has since been holding meetings with leaders of Bodo and other communities to convince and extend support to the peace talks.
NDFB information and publicity secretary S. Sanjarang confirmed placing the outfit’s demand in a memorandum before the Centre and was now awaiting Delhi’s response.
At yesterday’s meeting, NDFB was represented by its general secretary Gobinda Basumatary, speaker Sunil Basumatary, S. Sanjarang, deputy commander-in-chief B. Olongbar and I. Dominic.

NDFB cadre with 800 gms heroin nabbed

2008-05-04T03:45:00.000-07:00

BARPETA, May 3 – Barpeta Road police in co-operation with the, Sarbhog based 3 Kumaon Regiment of the Army seized 800 gms of heroin worth Rs 16 lakh in the international market and arrested two persons in this connection at around 8 pm on Thursday evening.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint party of police and Army led by Purna Baruah, OC Barpeta road police station, Abdul Hamid, EI of Assam Police and Zakir Hussain DCD ..... JK Offset Press and PCO near the ASTC bus stand at Barpeta Road and managed to nab two persons, namely Dhaneswar Boro, the self-styled sergent major of NDFB and Nabajit Das along with a sealed packet with a label of Thailand manufactured heroine.

On interrogation, Dhaneswar Boro admitted that he had tourchased the pack of nareoties from two girls heiling from Arunachal sometime back with Rs 2 lakh only and resolved to transport it to its destination. However, he refrained from disclosing the destination. He also admitted that the seized packet was expected to fetch him Rs 16 lakh.

Police also seized the Maruti car bearing registration number NL-09-4447 in which the two drug peddlers were travelling.

Explosives haul

2008-05-04T03:43:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 3 – In a major haul of explosives, the City Police today recovered 13 detonators, five gelatin sticks and a large number of safety fuses from a Guwahati bound Assam State Transport Corporation undertaking city bus around 1.30 this afternoon near 7 mile area. The bus was coming from Azara.

Police sources said that the consignment was being brought to the city with an idea to unleash subversive activities. The consignment, according to police, was kept in the overhead luggage compartment of the bus. “The case is being investigated and so far no one has been arrested in this connection,” a senior official said.

BTPS will ensure power security: Ramesh

2008-05-04T03:41:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 3 – On a day marked by the formal ground breaking of the 3 x 250 mw NTPC’s Thermal Power Station at Bongaigaon, Union Minister of Power for State Jairam Ramesh said that the time has come for the northeastern States to develop their thermal power base. Addressing a press conference where he described the BTPS as a major step in ensuring the power security of Assam, Ramesh said that a slew of other projects were on the anvil in several states of the region that would vastly augment the quantum of power presently available in a power-starved region.

Referring to the BTPS, Ramesh said that according to the timeline, the first unit of 250 MW would be commissioned in February 2011, the second and the third units of 250mw each would go on steam in April 2011 and May 2011 respectively.

“Significantly, it would be the first thermal power station in the country to use the sophisticated technology of de-sulphurisation, which would enable the harnessing of high-sulphur Assam coal,” the Minister noted.

He further stated that the power station after acquiring the installed capacity of 750 mw, could be extended to produce additional power. In the next phase there existed the provision for two 500 mw units to be commissioned.

Asserting that “more than maximum employment” would be ensured for the local people in the project, he added that even the general manager of the planned project was a person who belonged to the region.

Speaking about the power situation in the North East and its future prospects, Ramesh stressed the need for developing more thermal power stations. “While India required more hydel stations, the Northeast would have to look towards more thermal power plants,” he said and alluded to the fact that hydro power was seasonal and therefore could not be a base for sustainable energy even though the cost-benefit analysis at times favored hydel stations.

On the issue of developing power generation in Assam and the rest of the North East, Ramesh believed that the North East Electric Power Corporation had its role cut to play the lead role. Stating that after two years NEEPCO had a full time CMD to be based in Shillong, he felt it would help improve the performance of the 32 year old entity.

Ramesh expressed his confidence that NEEPCO would be able to produce an additional 1,800 mw of power in the next five years. Among the six major power projects to be undertaken by NEEPCO are 600 mw Kameng, 60 mw Tuirial, 110 mw Pare, 500 mw Garo Hills, and 480 mw Margherita among others.

In order to get much needed funds in the near future, NEEPCO could go in for an Initial Public Offering in the early part of next year, he mentioned.

Responding to a question Ramesh disclosed that the coal required for BTPS would be sourced from Margherita in upper Assam, and Raniganj. A proposal has already been submitted to the Indian Railways on the required rail linkages, the cost of which would be borne by the NTPC.

Talks on first nuclear plant for NE begin

2008-05-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 3 – In a development that is likely to fuel intense debates in parts of the North-east, initial talks have started on the region having its first nuclear power station. Speaking at the press meet in Guwahati, Union Minister of State for Power Jairam Ramesh revealed that the Meghalaya Chief Minister had in a meeting last evening made it known that if uranium mining could be safely carried out in Meghalaya, then he would prefer that a nuclear power plant be based in either in the State or a neighbouring area including some place in Assam.

Significantly, Assam Power Minister Pradyut Bordoloi who was present in the meeting purportedly told Ramesh that Assam would welcome the move to set up a nuclear power station. The significance of the meeting could be gauged from the fact that it had the telephonic participation of Dr Anil Kakodkar, the Indian Atomic Energy Commission chief.

It was stated that Dr Kakodkar was open about the idea, and favoured the formation of a study group to consider the “techno-economic feasibility” of such a project in the region.

Referring to the issue of uranium mining in Meghalaya, which has till now being opposed on safety grounds by a section of people, including some state leaders, he said that extracting the key mineral was essential for the success of the country’s civilian nuclear programme. Right now only about 50 per cent capacity utillisation was possible in the reactors due to a dearth of uranium.

While acknowledging that the Union Government would not do anything to disregard public opinion in Meghalaya, he said that Department of Atomic Energy would come out with a White Paper by May 31, which would be made available to the Meghalaya legislature and would be placed in the public domain for necessary discussions.

To allay fears over health concerns issuing from uranium mining, the Department of Atomic Energy would further invite a panel of doctors and scientists from Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital to respond to public queries through an outreach programme.

In another initiative, a group of decision-makers including public leaders would be taken to the Cuddapah region of Andhra Pradesh which has been earmarked for uranium mining.

NDFB submits memo to PM with demands

2008-05-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, May 1 – The National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) today formally submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister enlisting its demands to start the process of political dialogues with the Government of India. In a release here today, the information and publicity secretary of the outfit, S Sanjarangs said that the memorandum was a reflection of the Bodo people’s historical rights, the long-cherished hopes and aspirations as well as the principles and ideology of the NDFB.

The release said that the memorandum was handed over to officials of the Government of India by a team led by the general secretary of the NDFB, Govinda Basumatary. The NDFB expressed the hope that the memorandum would push forward the peace process and called upon all sections of people to extend their cooperation to ensure a permanent solution to the problems.

It may be mentioned that the peace talks with the NDFB were delayed because of the failure of the outfit to submit its charter of demands.Meanwhile, MHA sources said that the memorandum was handed over by the NDFB in a meeting chaired by the Special Secretary, Internal Security. MHA sources, however, were tight lipped about the contents of the memorandum.

NGO looking at Bhutan to export products

2008-04-30T22:15:00.001-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, April 30: A premier weaving centre run by women — Roje Ishanshali — in Salakati in Kokrajhar district has been looking forward towards Bhutan to export its endi and muga products assessing the market potentiality.

In an interview to The Sentinel, the president of Roje Ishanshali, Malati Rani Narzary, said that endi products have great demand in Bhutan and the people there commonly use endi clothes. She said the market assessment made in Bhutan has encouraged the centre people to export endi and muga products to Bhutan.

Roje Ishanshali, which was established way back in 1996 at Salakati, has already sold their products in many national-level exhibitions held at Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. She further said that Japan has also sent a delegation to Kokrajhar to study endi clothes.

Narzary added that the Bodoland Association for Handloom Unit has been pressurising the Government to impose entry tax for supplying traditional dresses to protect the indigenous industries.

LICI to set up satellite office at Udalguri

2008-04-30T21:17:00.001-07:00

UDALGURI, April 30 – The Life Corporation of India has assured in black and white to set up a satellite office of the corporation at district headquarter of Udalguri within the month of August of the current year.

The written assurance came at the moment when a delegation of Greater Udalguri Development Committee led by Sarat Chandra Basumatary and Kuber Chetry, president and vice president respectively met GS Wanwar, senior divisional manager of LICI of Guwahati Divisional Office on April 17 last and submitted a reminder of memorandum to him. After an hour long debate on the issue, the SDM of LICI agreed to set up an office of satellite type at Udalguri town within August of the current year.

The written assurance of the SDM of LICI informed that recommendation for Udalguri Satellite office was sent on June 23 last year to the chairman of the corporation and thereafter on March 8 of the current year along with seven other centers. “ In the process, six centres were sanctioned by our higher office, two were left out for reason known to us. In the meanwhile, in the meeting held on April 12 last at Kolkata, we have raised the issue for non approval of two other satellite offices, which included Udalguri despite it being a district head quarter. In the said meeting, we were then informed that a satellite office would be sanctioned in the second round of process of approval for the same.’’ The letter of SDM, LICI, Guwahati division addressed to the Greater Udalguri Development Committee contained.

Talking to this correspondent, Sarat Ch. Basumatary, president of Greater Udalguri Development Committee said that the organisation had been demanding a branch office of the corporation since 2005 at Udalguri town as it is the district head quarter of Udalguri district and has a business transaction of over Rs. 1.75 crore every year with the corporation. The GUDC had been putting tremendous pressure on LICI to set up a branch office since 2005. ‘We are now grateful to the LICI for its effort to understand the worries of people related to the corporation.’, he added.

It may to be noted that the people of Udalguri area had been demanding a branch office of the Life Insurance Corporation of India at Udalguri since 2005 as Udalguri town fulfilled almost all the norms for opening a branch office of the corporation.

Meanwhile, the people of Udalguri town having their business relation with the corporation expressed their happiness over the latest development and thanked the GUDC for its effective role to bring an LICI office to Udalguri town. Earlier, the customers of LICI from Udalguri and Rowta area had to go to Mangaldai office of the corporation to pay their premium which proved inconvenience.

BPPF concern: The Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) headed by Rabiram Narzary expressed deep concern over the attack on the life of Nabin Swargiary alias Thaijou of Doulchuba village under Bhergaon outpost in Udalguri district at his residence on April 19.

Condemning the attack, Prodeep Kumar Daimari, ex-deputy chief of earstwhile BAC and vice president of the political organisation in a press statement said that the attack was carried out by the activists of youth wing of Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) led by Hagrama Mohilary, the chief of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

Udalguri DC office functioning without EAC, ADC

2008-04-30T03:55:00.000-07:00

TANGLA, April 29: That the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Udalguri under Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) has been functioning without a single Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) for almost a year now, and even without an Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) for almost a month is well known to the Personnel Department of the Government of Asom and the BTAD administration.

Many a time newspapers have highlighted this fact to draw the attention of the concerned authorities but to no avail. Things have come to such a stand at the DC office that common people coming to the office for getting their work done are being forced to return home dejected not only once, but day after day.

The DC office is at present functioning with a “patch-up” management. The DC of the district, having no other alternative, and in view of the piling up and increasing number of official work every day, has entrusted the additional work to a number of Block Development Officers (BDOs) in the DC office.

Thus, one such officer has to function as the Election Officer, the Sub Registrar, the District, Sub Divisional Information and Public Officer (SDIPO) for example. These officers have to attend to their actual office as well as attend field work in between.

The introduction of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in Udalguri district from April 1 this year, has still made official work at the DC office go further slow, because the officers who have been given additional charges at the DC office are under the compulsion to get themselves involved in the implementation of the NREGA in their respective fields of work.

In this situation, it has become a common practice with the people coming to the DC office with official work to wait for a number of days to find their work okayed.

Sometime, it so happens that a person has to come to the DC office for days together to get his affidavit done or to get his certificates issued because of the absence of the respective officers. Thus, the people of the district have been compelled by the existing system to suffer mental, physical and financial harassment for no fault of theirs.The disgusted people have opined that the State Government has shown utter negligence to the district by letting it suffer from the absence of the required number of officers in the office of the DC.

On the other hand, the BTAD authorities — a partner in the ruling Tarun Gogoi-led Government has also been showing signs of indifference, by letting the common people suffer due to the non-availability of officers in the DC office. A section of the suffering public have questioned as to why public organizations like the AASU, ABSU, ARSU, AASAA, and various NGOs and political parties of the district have kept mum in this regard.

However, the public at large, of the district, expect that the Government and the BTAD authorities will rise up to the occasion and remove their suffering by immediately posting the required number of officers at the office of the Udalguri DC.

Death in ‘elephant attack’ creates controversy

2008-04-30T03:54:00.000-07:00

TANGLA, April 29: Death of one Soneswar Boro, son of Anaru Boro, of Nanaikhajbasti village under Paneri PS in Udalguri district, near Sonapur in Kamrup district has created sensation as well as doubt in Paneri area.

The father of the deceased filed an FIR at the Sonapur police outpost under Khetri PS, wherein he mentioned that on the request of one Dwijen Kalita of Bharalumukh, Guwahati, Anaru sent his domestic elephant along with its mahout, Rahim Ali, to Kalita’s house, for carrying logs in Magurchilla and Sonapur area on terms that Kalita would pay the elephant’s hiring charges on a daily basis.

The FIR further says that after taking possession of the elephant, Kalita refused to pay the hiring charges on a daily basis and wanted to pay the same on a monthly basis. When Rahim Ali, the mahout, expressed his inability to accept the mode of payment, Kalita allegedly threatened him with dire consequences and even threatened to have him killed. Ali left for Anaru’s house and told him about the change in Kalita’s plans. Anaru immediately sent his son Soneswar to Kalita’s house to settle the matter.

After a few days, when the matter seemed to have been solved amicably, Anaru received a phone call from Kalita saying that the elephant has gone mad, and in the process, has injured Soneswar. Anaru rushed immediately to Kalita’s house only to find the body of his son lying there. When the body was later brought for post-mortem, it was found that it bore many cut marks.

Thus this has led to the suspicion that Soneswar might have been killed by Kalita and his hired goons. Even Anaru has maintained that his son did not die in the elephant attack, but was probably murdered in cold blood.

Minor killed in blast

2008-04-30T03:52:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, April 29: A minor girl — Alima Khatun (4) — on the spot and three others — Isunat Ali (7), Chanda Khatun 910) and Nasir Ali (12) — died in a grenade blast at Kolaigaon in Chirang district at around 12.45 pm today. According to police officials the children were playing, when the grenade went off.

Meanwhile, three students of St Xavier School, Dotma, in Kokrajhar district went missing on April 24 from the school hostel and yet to return to school. Speaking to The Sentinel, the principal of the school, Fr Rev Francis Basumatary, said three students — Pranjit Narzary of Athiabari Premnagar, Hiron Narzary of Salakati and Deepak Kerketta of Magurmari Tea Garden — went missing but have not reached their respective homes. He said that the three students violated the discipline of the school, for which the school was compelled to issue letters to their guardians on many occasions. The students were also involved in immoral activities, the principal added.

A meeting was convened in the school today, where the guardians wanted the school to discontinue classes until the missing students are found. But, other guardians said that owing to the behaviour of three morally-degraded students, their children must not be made to suffer.

One shot at Dotma

2008-04-25T00:05:00.001-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, April 24: Miscreants shot at one Rupam Brahma at around 5.30 pm today at Dotma under Dotma PS in Kokrajhar district, informed M Talukdar, ASP, Kokrajhar.

Mano Brahmo reviews progress of Swrmanga project

2008-04-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, April 24: Bodo Territorial Council (BTC) executive member Mano Kumar Brahmo today visited the countrys’s biggest National Rural Employment Gurantee (NREGA) project at river Swrmanga in Kokrajhar district. The construction of the left and right embankment of river Swrmanga at a cost of Rs 46.22 crore is well in progress.

Brahma along with the executive engineer of Kokrajhar DRDA, reviewed the progress of the work from Patgaon to Salbari connecting Bilaspur, Batabari, Padmabil etc. The executive engineer suggested to the parties involved in the construction of embankments to start the boulder revertment well before the start of the monsoon season.

The 23.80 km long mega project work was started from February 12 last and its earth work both at the left and right bank is going on at full swing, involving thousands of job-card holders. The project component and the physical target will comprise construction of embankments by earthwork, land spur with boulder revertment, tie bund,cofter dams et al. The project is slated to be completed in 24 months.

The Swrmanga river originates from the Bhutan foothills and flowing through Kokrajhar joins the Brahmaputra near Bilasipara. The tremendous currents of the river creates great danger and hassles to the villagers during the rainy season. The overflowing river floods the embankments and destroys crops and other properties.

The bund construction is being monitored by about nine VCDCs — Sijouguri, Anthaibil,Banorgaon, Patgaon, Magurimari, Aflagaon, Simbargaon, Maoriagaon and Dhauliguri VCDC.

The BTC chief Hagrama Mahilary formally inaugurated the Rs 46.22 crore project at river Swrmanga on January 26 last. On the same day Mahilary also inaugurated the work at the Rs 1.44 crore river project at Swrmanga in the upstream of the river under NREGA project. Both the projects are being carried out with vigour.

Baksa district ABSU convention concludes

2008-04-24T23:58:00.001-07:00

GORESWAR, April 24: The third annual conference of the Baksa district Bodo Students Union (ABSU) held at Bamardaisa in Baksa district recently.An open meet was held on the occasion which was chaired by Katiram Boro, president, Baksa district Bodo Students Union.

Addressing a large number of gathering, Rwangara Narzary, president, ABSU said that the ABSU has been working for the Bodo people for last 20 years. He also said that ABSU is working for Bodo Medium Schools for socioeconomic development, for Bodo language, literature, and culture. After BTC act, ABSU is giving importance in proper education system in the region.

Inaugurating the open meet executive Member (BTC) Buddhi Narzary said that everyone of Bodoland should take part in the development works and to solve their problem like road communication, agricultural problem, education system and health care facilities etc.

In the open meet, Narendra Chandra Basumatary, SDC, Jalah Revenu Circle, Thaneswar Basumatary, MLA, Sapaguri constituency, Former MLA Jagamohan Barkochary and many others were present in the open meet.

More than nine hundred delegates took part in it. For peace and harmony three important proposals have been taken for the greater interest of BTAD.

A souvenir, Dwarkhwang was also released to mark the function a grand success. The two-day long convention was concluded recently with a cultural samaroh.

BPPF leader shot at in Kokrajhar

2008-04-24T23:55:00.000-07:00

Kokrajhar, April 24: Tension flared up in Kokrajhar district after gunmen shot at a Bodoland Peoples Progressive Front (BPPF) leader, Rupam Brahma, in front of his house in Dotma this evening.
Brahma, a former Bodo Liberation Tigers member, was admitted to the civil hospital.
BPPF president Rabiram Narzary has demanded the immediate arrest of the assailants. The party has called a 12-hour bandh on Saturday to protest the deteriorating law and order in the Bodo belt.
Earlier in the day, some unidentified persons in a Tata Sumo attacked one Debwr Narzary, 21, in Gossaigaon around 12.
In a separate incident, police picked up two National Democratic Front of Boroland militants — Khiranto Narzary and Gepo Narzary — from the outfit’s transit camp in Gossaigaon after Bodoland Peoples’ Front filed an FIR against them.
The Bodo belt has witnessed a series of clashes between the NDFB and BPF, leaving over 30 dead and many injured.

BTC Budget Session concludes

2008-03-26T23:46:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 26 — The three-day BTC Budget Session that had started on March 24 concluded today. During the session issues like problems of teacher appointment in BTC region, public distribution system and deforestration were discussed. – Correspondent

Bodo Peace Forum secy assaulted

2008-03-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

BONGAIGAON, March 26 – A group of Bodo youths brutally assaulted Dhananjay Basumatary (32), secretary of Kajalgaon Anchalik Bodo Peace Forum and Bhirangaon Primary Bodo Sahitya Sabha on Monday evening while he was busy working for the general meeting of Sahitya Sabha at his residence at Bhirangaon under Chirang district.

According to Basumatary, who is under treatment at Lower Assam Hospital and Research Centre, the assailants were BPF youths. Some of them had earlier warned him of dire consequences.

Meanwhile, police has started primary investigation into the matter.

Rangiya-Murkongshelek highway demanded

2008-03-26T23:42:00.000-07:00

GORESWAR, March 26: People and the president of the No.8 Railway Puthimari Bridge Construction Committee Golap Chandra Basumatary in a press statement have stated that in spite of the Central Government sanctioning the building of a national highway from Rangiya via Goreswar, Tangla and Mazbat to Murkongshelek, the State PWD and the Government has not initiated any actions in this regard.

After receiving several memorandums, the Central Government directed the State Government to make necessary survey work for the highway in 1998. The office of the Chief Engineer, PWD, Guwahati branch in a letter (No.NHR 1/99/2) dated January 7, 1999 had asked the Executive Engineer, PWD, Rangiya subdivision to furnish a detailed report of the national highway diversion from NH-31 at Rangiya to Murkongshelek.

Basumatary stated that the Centre has also sanctioned money for the construction of the highway but the Asom Government could not utilize the sanctioned money and was subsequently returned to the Centre. The release also appealed to the three newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs Birendra Baishya, Biswajit Daimary and Bhubaneswar Kalita to initiate steps so that the highway work is completed.

Staff blues hits SDO: The newly inaugurated Subdivision Office (SDO) wears a deserted look as it has no office staff and the whole show is run by the subdivisional officer himself. This has resulted in new projects alocated to the office been neglected. The people also have to face a tough task in getting work done through the office.

The Tamulpur subdivision office comprises of two revenue circles namely Goreswar and Tamulpur. The Land Advisory Board which grants land allotment orders is yet to be set up in the office.

Moreover, there is lack of judicial officers in the office.People here have urged the State Government and the BTC authorities to take immediate steps to appoint a full staff in the office.

Goreswar book fair concludes: The three-day long Goreswar Book Fair held in Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Bhavan under the aegis of Kasturi, an NGO and Betna Siksha and Krishi Unnayan Sangha concluded recently.

In the first day of the book fair, president of Kasturi hoisted the flag and this was followed by drawing, quiz and drama competitions. The book fair was inaugurated by the principal of Goreswar College Dr. Khargeswar Deka and the open meeting was chaired by Prof. of Dabaka College Dr. Abdul Malik.

Several books were released during the period including the tri--monthly magazine Kasturi Subhas. An Antaranga Alap programme was also held on the occasion and it was chaired by the president of Kasturi Ajit Talukdar. Radio artist Koustavmani Saikia and mobile theatre artist Dasarath Das also took part in the programme.

On the last day of the book fair, a cultural programme was held where many local artists took part.

Kerosine scarcity hit students: The scarcity of blue kerosine has affected the preparation of students for the examinations. According to reports, only four litres of blue kerosine to a family is being distributed every month by the Patidarrang Gaon Panchayat Samabai Samiti Ltd which is inadequate to light up lamps of a family for a month. Sometimes the delivery of kerosine is not on time as such people have to buy the kerosine at huge rates from the black market.

Bodos stage dharna

2008-03-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI, March 26: Kokrajhar Bodo MP SKBwiswmuthiary alleged that the recent Railway Budget tabled in the Parliament showed that the Railway Minister has not given any tangible allocation for the North-east region.

He was speaking in a dharna organized by Railway Development United Forum of Asom, near Jantar Mantar yesterday. Later they have submitted a memorandum copy to the President of India, Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and others. In the memo, they demanded the conversion of New Bongaigaon Railway Workshop to a full fledged coach-cum wagon factory at New Bongaigaon.

Hagrama presents Budget

2008-03-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 26: BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary presented the BTC Budget for the year 2008-09 at the Budget session which got underway recently at the BTC Assembly hall.

The Bill on Village Council Multi-purpose Co-operative Society (VCMCS), 2008 was also passed unanimously in the House. The Bill was placed before the House last year but required some necessary amendments. The Education EM of BTC Emanuel Mashahari placed the Bodoland Non-Government Educational Institution Regulation & Management Bill, 2008, before the House, but the bill was not passed as members of the House demanded proper verification and scrutiny of the rules in the bills.

Meanwhile, chief of BTC Hagrama Mohilary said that out of the 39 projects approved by the Central Government at an estimated cost of Rs 443.28 crore, 5 projects have been completed. Another 10 projects involving a cost of Rs 78.95 crore is at various stages of completion.

Mohilary said the BTC has submitted a proposal for increasing the special BTC package from the existing Rs 500 crore to Rs 1,000 crore and the matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs. He also said PWD has been allocated Rs 29 crore in 2007-08. During 2007, ten roads were repaired and village roads at the cost of Rs 1 crore were constructed, Mohilary said.

Mohilary further said that the BTC has earmarked Rs 340 lakh for the health sector. An amount of Rs 323.12 lakh was spent under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and the RN Brahma Civil Hospital has been upgraded at a cost of Rs 7 crore.

Mohilary added that the BTC has earmarked another Rs 11.05 crore for education, Rs 3 crore for agriculture and Rs 4.6 crore for agriculture and tourism, and another Rs 180 lakh for handloom and textile units.

Bodosa completes 17 years: The Bodosa daily newspaper, published from Kokrajhar, celebrated its 17 years service to the people of the region here recently .

The Bodosa newspaper started its journey on March 24, 1991 which was inaugurated by the then president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) late Kamal Kumar Brahma. It started its mission as a weekly in the initial stage but became a daily some years back.

In an interview, the owner-cum-chief editor of Bodosa, Chino Basumatary, who is also the president of All Assam Small News papers Owners’ Association said the successful of Bodosa daily was due to the support and sympathy of the people.

He said the Bodosa being the longest serving newspaper among the Bodo language has a great challenge to keep it alive for the greater interest of Bodo language and literature besides highlighting the grievances of the people.

Sources said that the Bodosa daily was banned by the former BLT Welfare Society on February, 2007. The ban has not been till today, sources added.

Udalguri dist SC session ends amid chaos

2008-03-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

KALAIGAON, March 25 – The first annual session of the Udalguri District Schedule Caste Development Council concluded amid chaos at Kalaigaon recently. People of SC community alleged that the session had been arranged by some youths who claimed to be the Congress members, at the Kalaigaon public playground. It is also alleged that the youths had collected a huge amount of money from people for the session, keeping party workers in the dark.

On March 2, some youths of the organising committee had gone to Dr CP Payeng, of Kalaigaon State Dispensary seeking donation for the session. The doctor at that time was busy attending serious patients.

The youths were reluctant to wait and misbehaved with the doctor and his family to the disappointment of people present.On the last day of the session, Bibekananda Doloi, parliamentary secretary, PWD, Assam; Hemprakash Narayan, former Minister of Assam and Madhab Rajbanshi, ex-MP arrived at the open session at 12 noon as guests of honour to find nobody to welcome them till 3 pm. The incident irritated other Congress workers, who changed some of the organisers and manhandled them at Kalaigaon IB in presence of all the guests. A police case had also been lodged at the Kalaigaon police station by one Parbati Das, against some youths of the organisation for misbehaving with her. The incident has created uproar inside the party workers.

Free textbooks under SSA being sold in open market

2008-03-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI/ GORESWAR, March 25: At a time when the school students of the region are yet to get free textbooks, reports of books being sold in the black market by a section of unscrupulous teachers have been doing the rounds.

Harisinga police outpost personnel recovered 20 bundles of textbooks meant for free distribution from a bus on way to Guwahati yesterday. One Jogesh Baishya of Khundahankara village has also been detained in this connection. Baishya later confessed that the books were procured from one Aniruddha Das, Sarba Siksha Abhijan (SSA) coordinator. The Harisinga Anchalik Committee of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS), All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) have lodged a complaint in this regard.

GORESWAR: The Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Education department is yet to supply free textbooks to the students in Baksa district.

The ME and High Schools under Goreswar and Tamulpur Block Elementary Education Office (BEEO) have been holding regular classes since the beginning of the academic session in January, but the teachers and the students have been facing great difficulty due to lack of textbooks.

The Sarba Siksha Abhijan (SSA), which is to supply free textbooks to students across the country, has been silent over the matter of distribution of free textbooks to the students in the district, which has forced the students to suffer for many months because of cancellation of classes. Students of Bodo-medium schools are the worst sufferers as there are less Bodo textbooks than Asomiya-medium books.Though the BTC has been making tall claims about introducing revolutionary changes in the education sector and remove “stagnation of human resources”, these are yet to bore fruit. This has, undoubtedly, led to deterioration in the academic atmosphere in Bodoland, the parents and teachers lamented.

The ABSU, the AASU and the AJYCP have demanded the immediate supply of free textbooks so that the students are at least spared of the pain of having to attend classes without books.

People warn JNV not to venture in BTC region

2008-03-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

ROWTA CHARIALI, March 25: The opening of Centrally-sponsored educational institutions like Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in greater Sonai area in Udalguri district under Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) was welcomed by the people of the neighbouring villages of Bhitor Sonai, Niz Sonai, Sonai Alisinga and Serfang. The villagers even allotted plots of land measuring a hundred and ten bighas from their own fields and cattle grazing lands for the purpose with a view to enhance all-round development of the poor students of the region.

But allegations are rife that JNV authorities are indulging in rampant corruption in the appointment of fourth grade workers and teachers without holding interviews. The people of the region have said that they may have to take back their donated land because of the corruption cases going on in JNV, sources said.

It may be mentioned here that a public meeting was held at Sonai HE School to this effect under the chairmanship of Udalguri Deputy Commissioner George Bosumatary, where AK Singh, principal, JNV, Udhmari, Kalaigaon, was also present.Attending the meeting, the Principal highlighted the schemes and projects undertaken by the JNV besides the fourth grade employment facilities for the local educated unemployed people.

Local MLA and Asom PHE Minister Rihon Daimari also spoke on the occasion and advised the villagers to donate the proposed land in the greater interest of the people as well as to avail the benefit from the JNV. Besides, DC George Bosumatary reiterated that the demands of the public should be fulfilled if they had allotted the land.

Referring to the allegations of rampant corruptions by JNV authorities, local gaonburah Bilen Daimari informed this correspondent that the Principal of JNV, Udhmari, Kalaigaon, AK Singh and the principal-in-charge JNV, Udalguri, RK Chandrasekhar, had appointed fourth grade workers from other parts of the State thereby depriving the aspirant local people. Thus this led to allegations that JNV officials may have taken huge amounts of money in exchange of the jobs.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, JNV, North Eastern Region, has also been under scrutiny after allegations were levelled against him regarding appointment of teachers from his family, hailing from Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Nagaon, Daimari added.

The people of these villages have threatened to start an agitation to oppose the opening of such institutions because of the failure of the JNV authorities in fulfil their aspirations. The people have warned that clashes might erupt if JNV authorities come for any building work. “I should not be held responsible for any unrest,” the gaonburah added.

Rebel chieftain waves white flag-Two more Bodos die in feud but…

2008-03-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Kokrajhar, March 26: Assam’s blood-smeared Bodo heartland had little respite from fratricidal violence but militant leader Ranjan Daimary today raised hopes of a return to sanity by reciprocating Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary’s offer to end the fighting through talks.
Two more persons were shot in Baksa district, increasing the toll in the violence involving Daimary’s National Democratic Front of Boroland and Mohilary’s supporters to 19 in less than a month.
The NDFB is in a ceasefire and the Bodo Liberation Tigers, which Mohilary led before his metamorphosis into an administrator, has long been disbanded. However, their rivalry not only continues but also flares up at frequent intervals.
Baksa superintendent of police P. Baruah said gunmen shot dead two youths, Jiten Boro and Gala Boro, at Silakuti Part I and Goybari villages last night. “The spate of killings is the result of friction between the NDFB and ex-BLT members. Most of those killed so far are family members, relatives or supporters of either group. This is a meaningless rivalry,” he added.
The police officer admitted that the administration had no clue on how to stop the killings. “During the day, everything is normal with everyone going about their tasks as usual. You will see children going to school and farmers working in the fields. At night, nobody knows who is going to be targeted next, or where or when. We have beefed up security, but it is impossible for us to give protection to all. The groups involved in this have to restrain themselves.”
On Saturday, businessman Prahlad Brahma was shot dead at his residence in Baganpara town of Baksa district. A member of the Bodo People’s Front’s youth wing — Mohilary’s party and the Congress’s partner in government — was gunned down at Japadom the next day. Gunmen struck again 24 hours later, killing the head teacher of Pumuafwthar ME School, Hareswar Swargiary, at his Pub Athiabari residence.
“These days, one does not even trust his brother, forget about others. People dare not open their doors when someone knocks at night,” D. Talukdar, a resident of Borbori, said.
Clashes between NDFB militants, who are supposed to be confined to their designated camps, and former members of the Bodoland Liberation Tigers have occurred in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts, too.
Daimary said in an email interview with The Telegraph that he appreciated Mohilary’s initiative to end the bloodshed and would gladly sit for talks. “I am really saddened and disturbed by the suffocating situation. So many lives have been lost for no reason at all. It is good that Hagrama wants to talk to resolve the differences and the misunderstanding that has arisen among us.”
Mohilary recently said he was ready to bury the traditional enmity between his erstwhile armed group and the NDFB for the sake of the Bodo community. “I really want to talk to him (Ranjan Daimary) for peace in Bodoland. I believe we can sort out the misunderstanding if we sit and talk. It is very important that we sort out our differences and work for the community.”

Sec.144 in BTC for Bhutan polls

2008-03-23T22:44:00.001-07:00

Kokrajhar: The district administration in the four BTC-administered districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri, bordering Bhutan, have issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC and sealed the border areas from Sunday evening for elections to the Bhutan National Assembly or the lower house scheduled for Monday. he order will remain in force till 6 on Tuesday evening.
Gogoi on heritage

UDYC greets Bhubaneswar kalita

2008-03-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, March 22: The Udalguri District Youth Congress (UDYC) president Deven Rabha has congratulated Bhubaneswar Kalita for his victory as a Rajya Sabha member and urged him to extend his full support to revive Congress party in entire BTAD region.

The youth Congress issuing a press statement expects his able leadership to ensure development in BTC as well as the State.

Rajya Sabha MP felicitated at Goreswar

2008-03-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

GORESWAR, March 22: The newly-elected Rajya Sabha (RS) MP Biswajit Daimary and former ARTFED chairman was felicitated by the various organizations of the Goreswar area like— Bodo Peoples Front (BPF) Goreswar unit, Goreswar Sahitya Sabha, Goreswar Press Club, Goreswar Begasai Santha, Marwari Yuba Mancha, Koch Rajbonshi Chatra and others at Goreswar BPF block office premises recently.

The felicitation programme was held under the aegis of the BPF block where Daimary urged the people of the BTC area to cooperate with him in executing the various development schemes sponsored by the Central Government. Daimary further said that he would try to build a peaceful, prosperous and developed Bodoland in near future.

Mohilary behind Bengtol killing, alleges BPPF

2008-03-23T22:38:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, March 22: The Bodoland Peoples’ Progressive Front (BPPF) has demanded the all-party delegation of the Assam Assembly to visit the Bengtol area and enquire into the recent killings. Prodeep Kumar Daimary, the vice president of BPPF stated that the party will continue its protests against the heinous killings of innocent villagers in Bengtol area. The party has called a 12-hour bandh recently which has paralysed the normal life in the area. They decided to hold a mass rally at Kajalgaon in the first week of April to protest against these incidents. The BPPF has also demanded resignations from the ministers of Hagrama led Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF) party owning the moral responsibility of those killings.

The BPPF strongly condemn the police firing in Bengtol on March 13, and all the arsons, attacks on the people in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts. These incidence are the outcome of arrogant attitude of the BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary and his administration.

The BPPF refute the charges levelled by Mohilary against Rabiram Narzary, the president of BPPF with inciting NDFB and making political conspiracy against him. Rabiram Narzary and his party has not in any manner involved in all these incidents. The BPPF has been working for peace in the BTAD area in particular and the State as a whole.

The party has been urging the Government for holding peace talk with the NDFB for bringing solution of their issues. But Mohilary in connivance with the Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has been obstructing the peace talk with NDFB and making policy for complete annihilation of NDFB.

For execution of this policy on Mohilary’s direction, his supporters have been attacking NDFB cadres, leaders of BPFPR, ABSU and other people. For keeping his seat of power, Mohilary is maintaining arms groups in the name of youth wing. These youths are behind the killings of AASU leader of Subankhata Tapan Das, Ranjan Narzary the NDFB cadre of Bogajuli, Bubul Swargiary the vice president of BPFPR, Pradip Swargiary the headmaster of Irakdao High School in Baksa district as well as hijacking of 3 buses carrying supporters of BPPF to Dotoma conference on March 11, burning of NDFB camp at Jharbari, burning of house of NDFB leader at Athiabari on Mach 12, burning and destroying of houses of BPFPR leader including Bisturam Basumatary in Chirang on March 13, police firing on innocent people at Bengtol, and bomb blast at Majbat and Udalguri railway station, the BPPF statement alleged.

The statement appealed all sections of people to maintain peace and harmony in the region. The press conference organized by BPPF was attended by Rabindra Basumatary, Udalguri district president, Dilu Sarma organizing secretary among others at Udalguri yesterday, sources added.

‘BPF trying to gain political mileage over Bengtol’

2008-03-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, March 23: The police firing incident at Bengtol in Chirang district can be compared to the Jalianwala Bagh massacre, where innocent people lost their lives in both cases. However, in spite of the gravity of the situation, the Hagrama Mohilary-led Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) has been trying to gain political mileage from the incident.

This was stated in a press release by the Bodoland People’s Progressive Front (BPPF) today. The BPPF also stated that in spite of the BPF’s alliance in the Tarun Gogoi-led Asom Government and in spite of having 12 MLAs in the Assembly and three ministers in the Cabinet, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Hagrama Mohilary and Transport Minister Chandan Brahma have failed to raise the issue in the House.

Security scene in Kokrajhar reviewed

2008-03-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 23 – In view of the prevailing law-and-order situation during the last few days, a high-level security meeting, presided over by J Gogoi, DC of Kokrajhar, was held in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kokrajhar on Wednesday to review the law-and-order situation of Kokrajhar district.

The meeting, attended by Army, police, and other para-military forces, discussed the prevailing law-and-order situation and beefed up security measures in the district, an official press release from Kokrajhar stated.

Police assaulted

2008-03-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, March 23: Four policemen, including BC Bhuyan, OC of Udalguri PS, were assaulted by a group of youths near the police station around 10 pm last night. Police arrested one of the youths. – Correspondent

Hagrama urges NDFB to place demands charter

2008-03-23T22:32:00.001-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 23 – Concerned at the incidents of killing, violence and atrocities disturbing peace in the BTAD region in the last few days, BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary today appealed to NDFB to place its charter of demands for the peace talks. Talking to mediapersons, he asserted that peace is a precondition for progress and development in this area and the present disturbance has to be checked by a concerted effort. He urged NDFB C-in-C to come for direct talks with Mohilary, placing the charter of demands to promote peace in the area.

He assured to extend all possible help and cooperation to NDFB to settle the issues with the Government with a pre-condition that the NDFB places the charter of demands.

Curfew in Chirang hits academic atmosphere

2008-03-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 20: The imposition of curfew in Chirang district especially in Bengtol, Tukrajhar and Punikhata after Bengtol firing where five innocent people were killed, which has hit the academic atmosphere as classes are not being held due to the ongoing curfew, sources added.

Speaking to the Sentinel, the Director of an English medium School of Bengtol said on condition of anonymity, the classes could not be held since the imposition of curfew in the area. The Government provincialized schools have remain closed since March 13 last.

He said adding that students are the worst sufferer. The prices of essential commodities has flared up due to short supply of daily commodities. He further said that economically backward people have been given extra burden to run the family.

Assistant teacher of an English medium school at Runikhata Ms M Basumatary said the imposition of curfew badly affected the educational atmosphere, sources added.

ABSU blames Govt

2008-03-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 20: Concerned over the deteriorating law and order situation in the BTC region, the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) has asked the State Government to take immediate steps to stem the violence in the region.

The president and general secretary of ABSU Rwngwra Narzary and Gautam Mashahary in a press release said that they have been urging the district administration to arrest those involved in the violent activities.

The students body alleged that though the region is burning, the State Government is totally ignoring the situation to gain some narrow political mileage. The ABSU cautioned that the State Government that it would be held responsible for any more violence in the region. The release also strongly condemned the killing of Bigrai Basumatary, the general secretary of Surrendered NDFB Welfare Association by unknown miscreants and asked the perpetrators behind this incident to put a stop to such barbaric acts. It also said that fighting within the family will lead Bodo society nowhere.

The ABSU through the release appealed to all political parties and the warring groups to desist from violence for the greater interest of Bodo society. It said that peace and development should be the number one priority and divisive politics must be done away with.

NDFB blames Mohilary for BTC turmoil

2008-03-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 20: The organizing secretary of NDFB M Gerema said the allegation of BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary that the NDFB has 410 camps is ludicrous, unfounded and politically motivated.

German alleged that it was Mohilary’s party which has initiated the tension among the Bodo people by killing NDFB cadres in Medaghat of Baksa district in March, 2007. He also alleged that ex-BLT members and the BPF youth wing is bent on unleashing a reign of terror in the BTC.

He further said Mohilary should realize the fact that when nepotism, corruption and anti-people governance are rampant, people will always rise up and rebel.

Blaming the NDFB as solely responsible for the present situation in BTC area, Gerema said that this is a desperate attempt to hide the failure of the Mohilary administration.He also questioned the stand of the president of ex-BLT Welfare Society Jono Mohan Moshahary on the violence being witnessed in the region.

German said the NDFB vehemently condemns the reckless statement of Sabita Lahkar who in an article in the editorial page of Agradoot stated that the NDFB is creating trouble in BTC area just because they were denied a share of power in the BTC.

He said her statement originated out of her confused imagination and showed her lack of knowledge and information of Bodo politics.

The National Democratic Front of Boroland condemns the cold blooded killings.

2008-03-19T02:50:00.000-07:00

Udalguri March 19: The National Democratic Front of Boroland strongly condemns the incident of cold blooded killings of three unarmed NDFB members and injuring several others by some suspected miscreants at the instance of Mr. Mono Jaila, EM, BTAD, on 18th March, 2008, at Goskata under the Dotoma Police Station in the district of Kokrajhar at around 6 p.m. The miscreants, armed with sophisticated weapons in the guise of ESCORTS of Mono Jaila came from Kokrajhar Town in the Tata Safari and Bolero of Assam police and then entered the NDFB’s Public liaison office opening fire indiscriminately and set ablaze the NDFB’s office. The gruesome killings of the NDFB cadres and attack on the NDFB office by Mr. Mono Jaila and his henchmen in collaboration with Assam police will no longer be tolerated and the government will be wholly responsible for it.

The Assam police personnel, who were directly shooting and killing five innocent Boro civilians mercilessly on the 13th March, 2008 in Bengtol, Chirang district are once more committing the most heinous crime as a part of declared war on NDFB by Hagrama Mohilary by killing and injuring the unarmed cadres of the NDFB. The NDFB salutes and honors those cadres and civilians who have embraced martyrdom for the freedom of the Boro nation.

The systematic attack on the NDFB and innocent Boro people by the members of the BPF and Assam police is nothing but to derail and distract the peaceful and democratic resolution of the Indo- Boro conflict.

S. Sanjarang
Information & Publicity Secretary, NDFB Dated the 19th March, 2008

3 NDFB men killed

2008-03-19T02:49:00.001-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 18 – Unidentified miscreants shot dead three NDFB cadres and set ablaze the NDFB camp at Ghoshkata under Dotma police station in Kokrajhar district at around 5.50 pm today, informed S Sonowal, Addl SP, Kokrajhar. According to sources, some unidentified miscreants, armed with sophistificated weapons, came to the temporary camp of NDFB and opened fire indiscriminately killing three NDFB cadres on the spot and injuring several others. One miscreant has also set ablaze the camp. The injured cadres have been admitted to the RNB Civil Hospital, Kokrajhar.

Curfew relaxed at Bengtol

2008-03-17T00:27:00.000-07:00

BengtolKokrajhar: Curfew was relaxed at Bengtol in Chirang district for six hours from 7am on Sunday. Curfew was imposed in the town four days ago after the public went berserk following the death of five persons in police firing. A senior officer in the district administration said curfew would be relaxed from 7am to 3pm on Monday, too. A peace meeting was held to review the situation in the town on Sunday at Kajalgoan. Transport minister Chandan Brahma and BTC deputy chief Kampha Borgoyary were among those present at the meeting.

Peace meeting held

2008-03-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

PATHSALA, March 15: Considering the need for a peace process at different places of the State and especially at BTAD areas, a peace meeting was held recently at Labdangguri. The meeting was organized by Baksa district administration in collaboration with Green Manas Organization. The meeting was presided over by social activist Ananda Swargiary, where Baksa district DC Pranab Chandra Gohain, Mathanguri constituency MCL Makhan Swargiary, Shalbari SDO (C) Debajit Bora, EAC Gaya Prasad Agarwalla, Additional SP Mughkajyoti Mahanta, Commandant of 32 No Battalion of SSB SS Negi, and Shalbari subdivision SDPO Gunendra Deka presided over the meeting.Meanwhile the present members — Rajani Daimari, Satyendra Borkachari, Barbahadur Chetri, Bhagaban Swargiary and others urge upon the maintenance of peace, tranquillity and brotherhood prevalent in the locality from time immemorial.

Stop picking up youths, Maloti tells armed outfits

2008-03-17T00:24:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 16: The president of the Women Wing of BPF Ms Malolti Rani Narzary today strongly condemned the killing of five persons at Bengtol in Chirang district and asked the militant outfits not to pick up youths to use them as their weapons which is creating terror in the region.

Narzary said the youths below 18 years of age have been being picked up by armed outfits. She also said the guardians should keep their children under strict vigil. The political parties are conspiring for their narrow political games, she said, adding that everyone should be conscious about narrow political activities.

Terming the Bengtol police firing as most unfortunate, Narzary said the Boro Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR) was directly involved in the Bengtol incident as they instigated the local people to prevent the closure of the NDFB camp there.

Narzary said the guilty must be brought to book at any cost so that such incident not occur in the future. She also demanded a high-level judicial inquiry into the killing of five persons and adequate compensation to the bereaved family members.

Mohilary should resign: BPPF

2008-03-17T00:18:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 16: The Bodoland Peoples’ Progressive Front (BPPF) has demanded that a State Assembly team visit Benhtol and enquire into the whole matter. Condemning the Bengtol incident, the BPPF has demanded that the Hargrama Mohilary led BTC should resign on moral grounds. The BPPF refuted the allegations levelled by Mohilary against BPPF president Rabiram Narzary that he was inciting the NDFB against the BTC and hatching a political conspiracy in the area.

The BPPF said that Mohilary to keep his seat of power intact, is arming youth groups and these youths are responsible for the violence here. BPPF alleged that these youths were responsible for the killing of AASU leaders in the region and burning down of houses of NDFB members.The BPPF also said the party is working for the interest of the Bodo people and urged the State Government to start peace talks with the NDFB. It said that Mohilary and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is obstructing the peace process and bent on the complete annihilation of the NDFB.

Clashes affects BSS session work: The ongoing clashes between the NDFB and youth wing of the BPF and the volatile situation in BTC region in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts has hit the preparations of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) session to be held from April 10 in Bodafa, Nwgwta and Dotma.

In a press meet held at the UN Brahma Memorial Hall in Dotma recently, the president of the reception committee Rajendra Nath Brahma said that the present turmoil in the BTC is hampering the preperation work of the historic BSS session as the members of different sub-committees have not been to concentrate in the work due to fear psychosis. Brahma said that out of the 700 members of the reception committee, many are abstaining from their field work since the recent spate of violence began in the district. He said that only about 30 per cent of work has been completed and there was little time in hand.

The financial sub-committee was the hardest hit as it is finding it difficult to collect donations and funds from the people, Brahma said. “It is high time that members finish their respective assignments and there is a need of a huge financial boost to see that the session was a success,” Brahma said.

The reception committee further appealed to both the warring parties to restrain from violent activities for the greater interest of Bodo language, culture and literature. The committee also urged the people of the region to extend their cooperation to make the BSS session a grand success.

‘Curfew, police action no solution to BTC clashes’

2008-03-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, March 16: The Boro Peoples’ Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR) has sought the permission from the Chirang district administration for holding a peace rally in Bengtol, where as many as five persons were killed in police firing on March 13. This was stated by forum’s president Bhromon Baglari while talking with The Sentinel today.

Curfew in the violence-hit Bengtol has been relaxed for six hours from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. However, tension is still there, despite the situation appearing to be normal, local sources said.

Baglari is of the view that curfew and police action is not the answer to the situation prevailing in the BTAD areas. The need of the hour is to take help of the civil society to restore peace and confidence in the minds of the people, he added.

“We want peace for the greater interest of the Bodo people and all sorts of violence irrespective of is who behind it is condemnable,” he said.

Expressing doubt over the Government’s intention in the BTAD area, the Boro Peoples Forum chief said the attitude on part of the district administration and the police in Chirang district helps the so-called Bodo Royal Tigers Force (BRTF) activists, in the name of BPF youth wing, to create terror in the minds of people.

He said, such situations will certainly hamper the much-awaited peace negotiations between the Government and the proscribed NDFB. “It is the Government which is conspiring to derail the peace process with the NDFB,” he said.

According to him, the recent statement made by the BTAD chief Hagrama Mohilary proves the involvement of the Government in the recent incident. “This is the extreme form of State sponsored terrorism witnessed by the Bodo people. If such situations continue, the situation might turn for the worse,” Baglari said.

Citizens’ meet on problems of Orang National Park

2008-03-17T00:08:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, March 16 – The Orang National Park Development Committee, in association with Mazbat Regional Students’ Union (AASU unit), Orang Journalists’ Union, Orang regional committee of Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS), Udalguri and Sonitpur committees of Aranya Surkhshya Samiti, is organising a citizens’ meet on the recent problems of rhino poaching, unabated encroachment by Bangladeshi nationals inside the National Park area. The citizens’ meet will be held at Orang HS School premises and would be attended by a good number of social workers, intellectual sand nature loving organisations of the state.

Adya shraddha: The Udalguri district committees of All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) and Bodo Sahitya Sabha is going to hold rajhuwa adhya shraddha of late Doleswar Boro, former president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha on March 22 next with a day-long agenda.

A strong Adhya Shraddha Udyapan Samiti was also formed recently with Rihan Daimari, PHE Minister of State, Udalguri district committees of ABSU and BSS as advisers and Mitharam Basumatary, EM of BTC and Mrinal Brahma as president and secretary respectively. The Samiti has invited all concerned to attend the adhya shraddha of the departed literary icon of Bodo literature.

Health camp: Astha, an Udalguri district-based NGO, is going to organise a day-long free health camp for women and children at Udalguri 30 bed PHC on March 15 next.

This was stated in a press released issued by Rajib Basumatary, secretary of the NGO. The press note requested the women and guardians of the children to avail the free treatment to be conducted by specialist doctors on children and gynaechology.

Computer centre: A computer education centre (Third Eye) was inaugurated at the heart of Udalguri town on March 10 last.

Inaugurating the centre, Rajiv Bharadwaj, franchisee manager of the institute said that the Third Eye Computer Education Centre is internationally recognised institute and the educated youths of Udalguri can avail quality computer education at affordable cost.

Speaking on the occasion as distinguished guest, RR Sapkota, local mediaperson, said that computer has become part and parcel of human life in globalised world.

The meeting to this effect was chaired by Gautam Jyoti Talukdar, president of Udalguri District Journalists’ Union and was addressed by Sujit Biswas, lecturer of Udalguri College and BC Bhuyan, officer in-charge of Udalguri PS, among others.

Peace meeting held

2008-03-15T23:39:00.000-07:00

Kudos for Bodo poem at AIR meet

2008-03-15T23:35:00.002-07:00

GORESWAR, March 15 – A Bodo poem – ‘Ratho Ada Dosche Natho’, written by one Prithi Raj Narzary received tremendous applause at the prestigious symposium of poets held at Nagpur recently under the auspices of All India Radio, New Delhi. Since 1955 AIR has been holding this national symposium of poets every year at different places of India.

PR Narzary out of the three poets from NE region participated in the programme representing ‘Bodo’. Other two poets representing Assamese and Manipuri in the programme was Syed Abdul Halim in Assamese with the poem ‘Cheniram Bayanor Biswaroop’. Halim, a retired employee of State Soil Conservation Department hails from Jorhat and is settled at Ambikagiri, Guwahati.

Narzary is an employee of State Bank of India at present working as the branch manager of SBI, Goreswar branch. Manipuri was represented by Thamjam Ebobi S Singh with his poem – Prod Amalud.

NDFB man killed

2008-03-15T23:35:00.001-07:00

HOWRAGHAT, March 15 — An NDFB militant was killed in an encounter with police at Sarchar, 1 km off Diphu, around 2.30 pm today. A grenade, a .32 pistol and a mobile handset were recovered. Two others escaped.

Three militants killed in State

2008-03-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

DIBRUGARH, March 15 – Three militants were today killed in separate encounters with the Army and police in North Lakhimpur and Karbi Anglong districts. Two militants were killed in North Lakhimpur when extremists, suspected to be either from the ULFA or the NDBF, exchanged fire with personnel of the 2 Bihar Regiment at Silikhaguri Sapori under Narayanpur police station around 4.30 am, defence sources said.

An injured militant escaped with his AK-47 rifle, while a pistol with five rounds of ammunition and a revolver with four rounds were recovered from the slain ultras, the sources said.

In a separate encounter in Karbi Anglong district, an NDFB militant was killed.

A group of three NDFB militants involved in extortion had gone to collect the money when a group of policemen stopped them, but they managed to escape after opening fire.

The police team chased the militants and in an encounter, at Panbari area under Diphu police station, killed one of them. However, the two others managed to escape.

The police seized a .32 bore revolver and five cartridges, a hand grenade and a mobile set from the slain militant. PTI

Bandh hits life in BTAD area

2008-03-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, March 15 – The 12 hour long dawn to dusk BTAD area bandh called separately by Bodoland Peoples’ Progressive Front (BPPF-R) and All Boro Peace Forum for Peace and Rights (ABPFPR) passed off peacefully in the entire Udalguri district without any untoward incidents till the filing of this report. The bandh was called by the two organisations separately protesting against the ‘indiscriminate police firing upon the innocent people at Bengtol in Chirang district of BTAD on March 13 last which caused death of four lives and serious injuries of many others in the incident.

In a hurriedly called press meet here at BPPF party office today, Prodeep Kumar Daimari, vice president and Dilu Sarmah, organising secretary of the central committee of the party strongly criticised the Hagrama regime in the BTC region and opined that life of common people was not secure in this regime in the BTAD region. The duo also condemned the Bengtol police firing and held Hagrama Mohilary, chief of the BTC administration responsible for the incident.

Our Barpeta Correspondent adds: Normal life in some of the areas of Barpeta district and Baksa district were paralysed as the bandh was total in the north and north west parts of the Barpeta and entire part of Baksa district. Banks, Insurance company offices business establishments were closed in those areas. Vehicular traffic on the roads were thin.

Our Jalah Correspondent adds: Normal life in the Baksa district was badly hit today due to the 12 hour bandh which evoked full response in the district. During the period, shops, markets, business establishments, educational institutions and offices were closed while public vehicles were off the roads.

3 in fray for State RS polls

2008-03-15T23:19:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, March 15 – Three nominations were submitted today for an identical number of Rajya Sabha (RS) seats of the State falling vacant on April 9 next with each of the partners of the ruling Congress-Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) alliance and the Opposition jointly fielding one candidate. Today being the last date for submission of nomination for the three seats, the outcome of the elections to the seats has thus become almost certain pending the official declaration.

While on behalf of the Congress its State president Bhubaneswar Kalita filed the nomination papers, for the BPF Biswajit Daimary filed the papers. The Oppositions’ candidate on the other hand is former Union Minister Birendraprasad Baishya, who is at present a general secretary of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).

According to State Assembly Secretary Gauranga Prasad Das, who is also the Returning Officer for the RS election scheduled for March 26, Kalita submitted three sets of papers and the Congress MLAs, including Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, supported his candidature.

Daimary submitted two sets of papers and his candidature was supported by the MLAs of both the Congress and the BPF, including the BPF Ministers Chandan Brahma and Pramila Rani Brahma.

Baishya submitted five sets of papers with the AGP, BJP, AUDF, CPI, CPI-M and some of the Independent MLAs supporting his candidature.

The nomination papers will be scrutinised on March 17. March 19 has been fixed as the last date for withdrawal of the papers. Only after the elapse of the deadline for withdrawal of the nomination, the formal results could be expected, Das said.

Baishya said, when contacted, AUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal, CPI-M’s Uddhab Barman, CPI’s Drupad Borgohain, several BJP MLAs, besides the AGP MLAs present in the city and Independent MLA Chandi Brahma, supported his candidature in writing.

AGP-Progressive president and MLA Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and Independent MLA Pranab Kalita extended support to his candidature over phone, said Baishya.

Free veterinary camp held

2008-03-15T02:42:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, March 14: A free veterinary camp was held at Naoherua village under Majbat veterinary block area recently.Sources said that more than 500 animals were given immunization injections with the active help of Alabari village Council Development committee under Bhairabkunda BTC constituency. Medicines were also distributed free of cost during the camp.Dr Naren Kachari the Udalguri district veterinary officer has apprised the people about the bird flu and its precautionary measure. Dr Umesh Das of Majbat, along with other veterinary workers of Orang, Rowta and Majbat attended the camp.

The 31st biennial convention of Udalguri district Koch Rajbonshi Sanmillan

2008-03-15T02:41:00.000-07:00

UDALGURI, March 14: The 31st biennial convention of Udalguri district Koch Rajbonshi Sanmillan is going to be held from March 29 and March 30 at Orang with a two-day-long programme.

Johal Chandra Thakuria, president and Dipak Saikia, working president of the reception committee respectively. Dharmeswar Boro general secretary will hold the convention. The committee has decided to bring out a souvenir on the occasion.

BPF condemns bomb blast incident

2008-03-15T02:39:00.001-07:00

UDALGURI, March 14: The Udalguri district committee of Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF) has strongly condemned the bomb blasts incidents in Mazbat and Udalguri. Naren Boro, the Udalguri BPF secretary termed these incident as an inhuman and barbaric one. More than 11 people were injured in Mazbat bomb blast incident.

The BPF has also appealed all the quarters confronting each other to restrain from further clashes for the sake of development of the region.

Blame game

2008-03-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

KOKRAJHAR, March 14: BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary blamed it on the NDFB and the BPPF led by Rabiram Narzary for the killing of four persons at Bengtol in Chirang district in police firing yesterday.

In a press meet today, Mohilary said: “The NDFB, BPPF and the BPFPR prevented the people of Bengtol from dismantling NDFB camps located there at gunpoint.”

When asked as to why the BPF Youth Wing has set up its camps, Mohilary said: “The camps are of ex-BLT, not of BPF Youth Wing. The camps are meant for welfare activities of the people. The NDFB has posed a threat to the ex-BLT members.”

Meanwhile, thousands of people from various districts bound for Bengtol in a large number of vehicles were stopped at various places today by the police so as to restore peace in the area. People in about 60 vehicles came to Bengtol via Kokrajhar.

New chapter in Bodo history

2008-03-15T02:29:00.000-07:00

March 14: Scholars burning the midnight oil to unearth Bodo history are thanking Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary, who has assured them of every possible help in reconstructing Bodo history and bridging the geographical divide between indigenous groups.
“The council will provide whatever help is required. I hope more scholars will study Bodo history to help forge a strong bond of friendship among Bodo groups scattered across the world,” Mohilary said on Wednesday, at the end of a four-day workshop-cum-seminar. It was organised by the Bodoland Citizens’ Forum to reconstruct Bodo history and held on the Kokrajhar campus of Gauhati University at Debargaon.
A World Bodo Historical Society was formed with noted historian Hiracharan Narzinary of West Bengal as its president and Kokrajhar MP S.K. Bwismutiary as its secretary.
As many as 42 scholars of the greater Bodo groups, including the Meches from Nepal, Kokboroks from Bangladesh and Tripura, Sonowal Kacharis, Mech Kacharis, Garos and Dimasas, besides the Bodos of Assam and West Bengal — all united by a common history — attended the workshop-cum-seminar.
After the seminar, the resource persons and scholars were handed specific details on Bodo history and requested to submit their research papers later. The forum’s general secretary Chanakya Brahma said the Bodos are spread across many parts of eastern and northeastern states and neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.
“The history of the Bodos wallows in neglect and has been distorted in many ways. Reconstruction of Bodo history is the need of the hour,” Brahma said.
There is need to collect more information from various sources and compile an authentic history of the Bodos, Bwismutiary said.

Separation pill for Bodo rivals-Dispur sends NDFB cadres to camps

2008-03-15T02:23:00.000-07:00

Guwahati/Kokrajhar/New Delhi, March 14: Disturbed by the clashes in the Bodo heartland over the past two days, Dispur today directed police to shift all members of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDBF) to three designated camps.
Officials said the “proximity” of NDFB activists to members of the disbanded Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), was causing law and order problems and the rival groups needed to be distanced.
Dispur also asked the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), an ally of the ruling Congress in the government, to rein in its activists.
The BPF comprises mostly former members of the BLT, a militant group that was disbanded after its leaders signed a tripartite agreement with Delhi and Dispur in 2003 and formed the Bodoland Territorial Council.
Although the BLT no longer exists, its rivalry with the NDFB continues. Hagrama Mohilary, who used to lead the BLT, now leads the BPF.
Sources described the ongoing conflict between the two groups as a battle for “political supremacy”.
Tension prevailed in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts where violence, triggered by an attack on an NDFB camp on Wednesday, left four dead and several injured yesterday.
Curfew was imposed late last night in the Bengtol area of Chirang district where four persons fell to police bullets while trying to intervene in the NDFB-BPF feud. Security has been tightened in sensitive areas and the army and CRPF has been called out.
The district administration in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa and Udalguri have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC.
Making a statement on behalf of the home department, forest and tourism minister Rockybul Hussain said the situation in Chirang and Kokrajhar was tense but under control. “Peace meetings are being held. The government and the district administration are monitoring the situation.”
The All Boro Peace Forum has called a 12-hour statewide bandh tomorrow to protest against the police firing at Bengtol.
Independent MP from Assam Urkhao Gwra Brahma raised the topic of the killings during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha today.
While he lashed out only at the BPF, he did not spare the Congress later. He accused them of engaging in “state-sponsored terrorism” and the Assam police of “indulging in terrorist activities”.
He accused the state government of supporting “a new group” to foil the two-year-old peace process between Delhi and the NDFB.
“The government does not want to continue the peace process so that it can avoid a new agreement. Therefore, it has propped up this new militant group. They want to keep us divided,” Brahma told The Telegraph.
He demanded a judicial inquiry into yesterday’s incident and action against the guilty police officers. He also met Union home minister Shivraj Patil to demand central intervention.

Chirang still tense, curfew on

2008-03-15T01:56:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI, March 14 – The situation in and around the Bengtol area in Chirang district continued to be tense but under control a day as curfew continued after police firing resulted in the death of several people. A well placed official in the district administration told The Assam Tribune that today, nearly a thousand vehicles were caught in a snarl after protestors halted traffic on the National Highway. The agitating people had demanded the presence of the DC Chirang on the site of their protest, and after his arrival, they handed over a memorandum.

Sources also stated that the police were maintaining a vigil close to the sensitive areas, and Army domination was continuing to thwart any provocative activity.

Meanwhile a PTI report stated the curfew was imposed in areas falling in the Runikata police station area and under Bengtol police outpost at 2 pm, IGP Bodoland Territorial District Administration N M Dutta said.

The camp along the Indo-Bhutan border was dismantled as the militant outfit was provided with designated camps as per the ceasefire guidelines, official sources said.

Today the district Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police handed over the bodies of those killed yesterday to to their next of kin, the sources said.

Over 2000 slogan-shouting people yesterday attempted to prevent the camp from being dismantled, claiming the camp was necessary in the interest of peace when the NDFB was on ceasefire with the Centre.

The chairman of the Bodoland Territorial Council, under which Chirang falls, Hagrama Mohilary describing the situation as “unfortunate” and a “political conspiracy” offered to provide jobs to the next of kin of the victims under the BTC.

Miscreants vandalize temple idols

2008-03-02T08:21:00.003-08:00

UDALGURI, March 1: Unidentified miscreants destroyed the idols of Radha, Krishna and Hanuman at the Radha Krishna temple at Puthimari Bazar under Kalaigaon PS here recently. The miscreants lifted off the idols and later burnt them.The Udalguri district committee of the Hindu Jagaran Manch, Asom, has condemned the incident and has demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. It has also demanded adequate security to the Hindu shrines in the region.

SSB seizes smuggled timber

2008-03-02T08:21:00.001-08:00

UDALGURI, March 1: The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) operating in Udalguri seized a truck (AS-01-F-2667), loaded with smuggled timber at Kahibari Chowk recently. The estimated cost of the timber is worth Rs 4.5 lakh. The timber was on its way to Guwahati from the DH Mill in Udalguri. One Gokul Upadhaya was also arrested in this connection. It is worth mentioning that the truck even had forged challans of the Balemu Amartala range in Arunachal Pradesh.

Absu to pray in front of ministers’ idols

2008-02-17T20:41:00.000-08:00

P.B. CHOUDHURY
Kokrajhar, Feb. 17: The All Bodo Students’ Union (Absu) has hit upon a novel idea to protest against alleged inaction of Dispur to address the problems faced by Bodo-medium schools.
In areas under the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) as well as in Darrang, Sonitpur, Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts, where there are Bodo-medium schools, Absu activists will put up idols of chief minister Tarun Gogoi and education minister Ripun Bora tomorrow.
As if that is not enough, they will also pray before the idols for free books, teachers and better infrastructure for the Bodo-medium schools.

Idols of Gogoi and Bora will be installed in Kokrajhar, Udalguri, Baksa and Chirang districts under the BTAD. Absu and the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) have been urging the government to lift the ban on the appointment of teachers and provincialisation of Bodo-medium venture schools. It is alleged that 488 lower primary (LP), 312 middle English and 160 high schools (Bodo and Assamese medium) are being run without regular teachers.
The president of the Absu, Rwngwra Narzary, said: “Our repeated appeal to Dispur to solve problems faced by the Bodo-medium schools and students studying there, fell on deaf ears.
“After trying every possible way, we want them to hear our grievances through their idols.”
Most of the Bodo-medium schools suffer because of poor building infrastructure, lack of adequate teachers and delay in publication and supply of textbooks, Narzary said adding that shortage of teachers because of non-fulfilment of posts aggravated the problem.
“There are no replacements for retired teachers for the last few years making it difficult for students to continue their studies.”
Narzary alleged that classes were not being held in Bodo-medium LP schools in Baksa district because of non-availability of teachers.
“The students of Bodo- medium schools are deprived of quality education and other facilities. Two Bodo-medium schools, Podhapar Hangar-khata LP School and Borbhera LP School, in Baksa district that fall under the constituency of BTC executive member in charge of education, Emanual Mushahary, are now lying defunct and there are no teachers,” Narzary said.

NDFB bandh withdrawn

2008-02-17T20:30:00.000-08:00

Kokrajhar: The NDFB on Sunday lifed its indefinite Baksa bandh from 5am on Monday to enable the students to take the HSSLC and HS examinations.
Trucker killed

Silver jubilee celebration of Bodo Sahitya Sabha

2008-02-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

GAURIPUR, Feb 17 – The silver jubilee celebration and the 25th annual conference of Parbatijhora District Bodo Sahitya Sabha was held in the premises of Duligaon High School near here with a three-day programme. Suman Narzary, principal, Tipkai HS School declared open the main gate of the Sabha amidst large gathering and followed by opening of delegates camp by Satya Narayan Brahma. The delegates session held in the evening of the first day was chaired by Pramod Kumar Brahma. A cultural evening was also organised to mark the first day of the celebration held on February 4 last.

On the second day of the function, the flag of the literary organisation was hoisted by the president Bibhishan Brahma and was followed by Smriti Tarpan and Banti Prajyalan. The felicitation meeting held under the chairmanship of Janil Kumar Brahma, the Sahitya Academy awardee felicitated a number of distinguished personalities including Dadhi Ram Brahma, ex DPI, Keshab Chandra Brahma the first president of Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Naresh Chandra Brahma, Radio & Television artist and folk singer Manindra Brahma and a few others.

On the third day of the annual meet, the delegates session passed a number of resolutions and elected Bibhisan Brahma to lead the next executive body of the Sahitya Sabha.

The open session held in the evening was presided over by Bibhisan Brahma and was opened by Dhananjay Brahma, retd lecturer, PB College, Gauripur. The meeting heartily felicitated Janil Kumar Brahma for his achievement in the field of Bodo literature. Brajendra Kumar Brahma, the president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha addressed the open session as chief guest. The topper students of last HSLCE from among the community were also felicitated. The meeting was also addressed by a large number of distinguished guests including Jiran Basumatary, Sari Bhusan Brahma, Banendra Kumar Mushahary, Guneswar Mushahary, Hemchandra Brahma and a few others. An attractive cultural function was also organised in the evening and was attended by thousands of people of all communities.

ABSU committed to Mission Quality Education: Narzary

2008-02-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

UDALGURI, Feb 17 – “Teachers and guardians of Bodo medium schools of the state have considerable responsibility to better the education scenario of Bodo medium schools where there has been downfall in quality. The influence and mushroom growth of English medium schools have pushed most of the guardians to educate their wards in English medium, but there are dozens of instances where a good number of students educated in Bodo medium have excelled in academic performance and enjoying honourable career.” This was said by Rwngwra Narzary, president of All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) while addressing a mammoth gathering of students and guardians in the open session of 33rd annual convention of Udalguri district committee of the students’ organisation as chief guest.

The ABSU president emphasised upon the Mission Quality Education launched by it in 2007 and said ABSU is committed to improve the quality of education in the Bodo medium schools. The open session was also addressed by Ramela Islary, vice president of ABWWF who stressed upon the work culture of Bodo women in the globalised world.

The open session which was inaugurated by Rabiram Ramchiary, president of Udalguri district Bodo Sahitya Sabha was presided over by Babul Basumatary, president of the Udalguri district committee of the students’ organiation. Among many others, the open session was attended by Prodeep Kumar Daimari, ex-deputy chief of earstwhile BAC, Lucash Daimari, general secretary of All Bodo Employees’ Federation (ABEF), Prafulla Kr Boro, vice president of ABSU and Rita Boro, general secretary of ABWWF.

Earlier in the day of the open session, ABSU and ABWWF flags were hoistd by Babul Basumatary, president of Udalguri district committee of ABSU and Bibimai Basumatary, president of Udalguri district ABWWF respectively followed by foundation of martyrs tomb laid by Kartick Ch Boro, MCLA of Harisinga constituency while ABSU vice president Prafulla Kr Boro offered floral tributes to the martyrs’, Puran Kanta Daimari, deputy speaker of BTC assembly released the souvenir while Nilakanta Goyary, general secretary of Udalguri BSS gave away the prizes to the winners of literary and sports competitions.

On Monday last, being the first day of the ABSU-ABWWF annual convention, Protul Kr Bhobora, retired DI of Schools inaugurated the main gate of the convention while Budaula Daimari, ex-president of Ambagaon Anchalik Committee of the students’ organisation inaugurated the Heriton Daimari memorial delegates’ camp of ABSU. Sumati Wary, ex-vice president of ABWWF inaugurated the ABWWF delegates’ camp. In the Debonath Basumatary Memorial Volleyball Competition participated by 11 regional committees of ABSU, Khoirabari regional ABSU and Borobazar regional ABSU emerged champion and runners’ up respectively. The Lakhiram Daimari memorial dining hall was inaugurated by Sarat Sengra Basumatary, ex-commander of Volunteer Force of Ambagaon regional ABSU. A Seminar on ‘Responsibilities of Elite Groups, teachers and parents in respect of quality education in the age of globalisation’ was inaugurated by Gojen Hazowary, exp-president of undivided Darrang ABSU which was chaired by Nandeswar Daimari, reputed Bodo litteraeur and headmaster of Ambagaon Bodo Medium High School Promod Boro, vice president of ABSU, Nabin Ch Boro, inspector of schools of Udalguri district circle attended the seminar as resource persons.

The John Basumatary Memorial Delegates Sessions of ABSU and ABWWF were inaugurated by Prasanna Sengra Daimari, ex-president of Ambagaon regional ABSU and Minoti Daimari, ex-president of Ambagaon regional committee of ABWWF respectively.

Literary competition was inaugurated by Louish Mochahari, public relation secretary of ABSU while the main delegates’ session was inaugurated by Gautam Mochahary, general secretary of the central committee of the students’ organisation which was conducted by Nickolson Khakhlari, president of the reception committee. Cultural competition in the last part of the first day was inaugurated by Rina Khakhlari, ex-secretary of ABWWF.

Education policy flayed : All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has expressed its anguish over the activities of Emmanuel Mochahari, president executive member of BTC for education and said that the EM was not at all interested in solving the core problems in education sector in the BTC region. Talking to mediapersons here at Ambagaon on Tuesday, Rwngwra Narzary, president of ABSU alleged that there should have been appointment of teachers in the Bodo medium schools in the BTC region to improve education, but the education EM failed to understand the demand of the students’ organisations. He asserted that Bodo medium is not secured in the hands of Emmanual Mochahari addressed the ABSU and has demanded his immediate removal.

Regretting the poor show of Bodo medium students in HSLC and allied examinations, the ABSU president observed that most of the students who are felicitated by the state government are educated in the English medium schools and their academic improvement does not represent the improvement of education in the state until and unless the vernacular medium students are given due importance.

Criticising the policy of State government, Narzary also said mere construction of school buildings does not mean development in education sector if the government does not provide sufficient teachers in the schools. “To State government, panchayat elections seemed more important than the academic session in the state which could not be started in January,” Narzary added.

ABSU unveils action plan for congenial academic ambience

2008-02-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

HOWRAGHAT, Feb 17 – The All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), Karbi Anglong district unit has unveiled its annual action plan here on Sunday. As per resolutions of the executive committee, the general secretary Daman Basumatary stated through a press release that the student organization will provide its first preference to exempt the ‘educational institutions’ from the purview any bandh to be called by the organization for the greater interest of the student community.

Besides, the release further stated that the student organisation has adopted a rigid resolution with a view to create a smooth and healthy congenial academic atmosphere for the students by launching education related awareness drives in the district as well as in the State.

On the other hand, with a view to attract the Bodo students towards the Bodo Medium Schools a mission with the theme “ Save Bodo Medium”, 2008 in addition to the “ Year of Education and Quality Education” will be launched shortly from the next month, the student leader stated through the press release.

While seeking cooperation from the organizations like All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA) and the Sahitya Sabhas of the different communities the student body stated that the prevailing bandh culture is badly hitting the students.

Hence, to eschew such harmful culture every organization will have to extend a collective support, the release added.

Provincialize Bodo medium schools: Narzary

2008-02-17T00:38:00.000-08:00

KOKRAJHAR, Feb 16: The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) expressed displeasure over the State’s education policy for new reformative mechanism of provincialization of schools, appointment of teachers and improvement of education in the State yesterday.

Sources said the ABSU observed its 41st foundation day at Bodofa House, Kokrajhar yesterday with a day-long programme. The president of ABSU Rwngwra Narzary hoisted the flag. A discussion was also held at Bodofa House with Narzary in the chair the president of BSS Brajendra Kumar Brahma, Sahitya Akademy Awardee Dr Mangal Singh Hazoary, BTC planing officer Hori Charan Boro, principal of Kokrajhar College Binay Kumar Brahma, spoke on the occasion and was attended by other intellectuals and students.

Speaking to the mediapersons at Bodofa House the president of ABSU Narzary said that the Government was maintaining an indifferent attitude towards the Bodo medium for which a good number of Bodo medium schools are being closed especially in Upper Asom districts. He said there are only 9.33 of provincialized Bodo medium schools all over the State comprising LP 458, ME-312 and 160 High School while number of venture Bodo medium schools are 1488 of which 945 LP, 363 ME and 163 High School. He said almost 50 primary Bodo medium schools are still not provincialized and thus majority Bodo students are suffering from getting proper educational facilities.

Narzary said the ABSU has been demanding the provincialization of Bodo medium schools, appointment of adequate teachers, timely distribution of free text books and separate directorate for Bodo medium to improve the Bodo medium schools and other problems but the Asom Government and education department is maintaining a dignified silence over their demands. He also said the Government’s apathetic attitude towards Bodo medium was very unfortunate. The resource persons of SSA are continuing without any replacement, he said adding that the Government, has not filled up the regular posts for Bodo teacher in 458 LP Schools, 312 ME Schools and 160 High Schools despite these schools being provincialized.

The ABSU president while strongly criticizing the Government’s negligence towards Bodo medium, Narzary said the ABSU will stage a demonstration programme against non fulfilment of their demands in every district and subdivisions in every district and subdivisional head quarters on february 18. The theme of the demonstrations would be “provide text books and teachers”

Narzary said the student body will place the effigies of Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Education Minister Ripun Bora in the demonstration programme and will place their demand charter before the effigy to reply the ridiculous act. The students will pray before the effigies to fulfil their demands. He also appealed to the State’s intellectual circle to extend their cooperation towards fulfilment of demands to improve the educational scenario.

2008-02-17T00:31:00.000-08:00

KOKRAJHAR, Feb 16: Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary is getting married to Sewli Brahma of Tipkai, Sangbanga on February 22 at his birthplace, Debargaon, about 10 km from Kokrajhar town. Sewli Brahma is the daughter of Batendra Brahma, retired principal of Tipkai HS School and a social worker of the locality.

Mohilary’s mother Budhbari Mohilary, who is now in the 80s, in an interview to The Sentinel said that she was very happy for Hagrama, who is the youngest son of the family. She added that Hagrama was always reluctant about marriage. “I feel so happy now that my son is going to tie the knot,” she said.

In another interview to The Sentinel, elder brother of the groom, Janaki Mohilary, who is an engineer in Nigeria, said arrangements were going on in full swing for the marriage. There will be seven dining halls categories for VIP, VVIP, general, vegetarian and guests from Bhutan. 3,000 guests will be accommodated in one sitting, Mohilary said, adding that 12,000 invitation cards have been printed and around 25,000 people will attend the wedding.

He also said the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and other ministers have consented to come.

Replying to a question regarding the bride’s father, Batendra Brahma being a follower of Brahma religion and Hagrama, a follower of Bathouism, he said that the bride would be wed under traditional Brahma rituals and after that the marriage would be solemnized as per Bathou rituals.

Meanwhile, Hagrama Mohilary refused to comment about his getting married but seemed to be quite happy.

A newly-built two-storeyed apartment has been prepared for the celebration. The designers entrusted are Mriduraj Basumatary and Debojit Sanowal. The food has been sponsored by Singhi Company Ltd. of Bilasipara.

The bride Sewli Brahma is an MA in Economics from Pune and at present working for her PhD under Gauhati University.

Tangla to have better road network by 2008: Brahma

2008-02-17T00:25:00.000-08:00

UDALGURI, Feb 16 – It was at last after about three decades of eager waiting and dozens of demonstrations with demands that the people of Tangla have heaved a sigh of relief when Chandan Brahma, Panchayat and Rural Development and Transport Minister declared that the much demanded Mangaldoi-Bhutiachang PWD road through Kalaigaon and Tangla would be renovated and reconstructed within this year.

The much-valued declaration of the minister came when he was addressing the open session of Sixth Bodoland Day Celebration at Bordoloi Bhawan here at Tangla in Udalguri district as chief guest on Sunday.

Addressing the mammoth gathering in the open session organised by Khalingduar block committee of Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF) and chaired by Bonjar Daimari, MCLA of Khalingduar BTC seat, Brahma also said the government was keen to develop the condition of rural region of the State. He also earned thunderous applause by declaring that the people of Tangla area would be able to avail the Tangla-Kokrajhar ASTC bus service from March next. The minister also assured to grant a permanent public bus stand soon.

Among many others, the open session of the two-day-long programme was also addressed by Kand Basumatari, MLA of Panery LAC and Karuna Kanta Swargiary, president of Bhergaon district committee of BPF.

Earlier on February 10 last being the first day of observation of Bodoland Day, Bonjar Daimari MCLA of Khalingduar constituency hoisted the BPF flag followed by homage to martyrs initiated by Karuna Kanta Swargiary, president of Bhergaon district unit of BPF. The first day’s programmes came to an end with delegates’ session, sports competitions and cultural nite.

The dilapidated Mangaldoi-Bhutiachang PWD road had been ignored for last three decades by the authorities concerned for reasons best known to them. Student organisations such as AASU, ABSU, AJYCP and several other social organisations of Kalaigaon, Bhergaon Tangla and Panery area had been demanding reconstruction of about 60-km PWD road from Mangaldoi to Bhutiachang since the last thirty years. The transport minister’s declaration to renovate the road within 2008 has boosted the enthusiasm of the people of the vast rural region.

BBC convention: The 94th edition of Bodo Baptist Convention (BBC) concluded here at Thoraibri in Harisinga recently .

The convention witnessed prayer by more than 45,000 devotees of about 284 mandals in the religious discourse.

On the first day, the door of the convention was inaugurated by Dr R Daimari followed by mass prayer conducted by Nelson Baglari, president of the convention while Rev Santosh Daimari read out the welcome address.

On the second day of the convention on February 1, Juron Basumatari hoisted the flag and conducted prayer.

In the second session, Hemol Basumatari, president of MC Zion Bible College presided over the convection of Zion Bible College followed by prayer conducted by Pranima Basumatari, vice president of women cell. This was followed by prayer conducted by Protul Daimari, executive member and Puhar Daimari.

Devotees from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, Dimapur, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Gohpur, Naduar, Charduar, Dhekiajuli, Parkijuli, Bagsa, Kokrajhar, Golaghat, Goalpara, Kamrup, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon and local areas througed the convention which witnessed a systematic arrangement for prayer food and accommodation for all.

Music workshop: Astha Sangeet Vidyapeth, a leading music institution of Mazbat organised a two-day-long workshop on Indian music of Pub Mazbat Nayanjyoti Yuvak Sangha premises recently.

The workshop was conducted by Dulali Mahanta and Rajasri Baruah as resource persons. The workshop on the first day was opened with a ‘bhajan’ presented by Karavi Acharya while the lamp on the occasion was lit by Dulali Mahanta.

More than 60 music, lovers were imparted basic knowledge on musical trends which are on the verge of extinction. NN Deka, secretary of the institution appealed to all participants to preserve trends of old Assamese music.

Bathou religious meet held at Darangipara

2008-02-17T00:23:00.000-08:00

NALBARI, Feb 16 – The eighth annual conference of Kshetri Anchalik Bathou Dharma Sanmilan was held at Darangipara bathou mandir premises on February 8-9 with a two-day long programme.

On the first day a seminar on ‘Bathou dharmat sijur latparja was held with Daya Ram Basumatary in the chair. The second day’s programme began with the open prayer at 6.30 am. It was followed by the flag hoisting by Sriman Basumatary president of Kshetri Anchalik Bathou Dharma Sanmilan. The vice president of the Sanmilan Pabitra Boro performed Smriti tarpan.

Addressing the open meeting the minister of Agriculture and Tribal Development Pramila Rani Brahma called upon the people to show the religion of humanity with extending helping hands to the neighbouring poor. As agriculture minister Brahma urged the farmers to cultivate the habit of farming two-three crops at a session to meet the increasing demand. She also stressed on bio-cultivation to get quality crops.

The Revenue Minister Dr Bhumidhar Barman in his speech called upon the people of all religions to work together with the religion of humanity to stop all kinds of violence in the State. Dr Barman requested the Agriculture Minister to take steps for horticultural farm in lower Assam districts in the style of small tea garden in upper Assam.

The open meeting presided over by Sriman Basumatary was addressed among others by Kanteswar Bargayari, chief organising secretary of All Bathou Dharma Mahasabha, Khagen Ramchiyary president of Nalbari Zilla Boro Sahitya Sabha, Mamtaj Ahmed, member of Mukalmua Zilla Parishad.

Students get computer sets in Kokrajhar

2008-02-13T04:08:00.000-08:00

KOKRAJHAR, Feb 12: The district administration here yesterday distributed the Anundoram Borooah awards to the students of the district who secured Ist division in the HSLC Examination, 2007. The Deputy Commissioner of Kokrajhar Jatin Gogoi distributed the computer sets to the students in a function held at the DIET complex.

Altogether, 150 students of the district received the computer sets and 17 students were awarded cash prize of Rs 14,000 each.

In his speech at the function, Gogoi urged the students to pay more attention to qualitative education to meet the challenges of modern day competitive world. He hoped that more students will receive this award in the next year from Kokrajhar district.

The principal of Kokrajhar DIET, Chanakya Brahma said that the Anundoram Borooah Award to meritorious students is a appreciable step on the part of the State Government to encourage the student community.

The award function was also attended by the Director-cum-CHD of Education, BTC, Rabi Shangkar Borgoyary.