GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and his wife Gurcharan Kaur will cast their votes in Guwahati Parliamentary Constituency here on April 23 during the second phase polling. "I and my wife will come here on April 23 to cast our votes," Dr Singh, a resident of the city as per official documents, said.
According to a source in the State election department, the voter number of Dr Singh, who represents the State in the Rajya Sabha, is 726 and the same for his wife is 727.
Dr Singh has been representing Assam in Rajya Sabha since 1991 and is a tenant of Dr Hemo Prabha Saikia, a Congress leader and widow of former Assam Chief Minister Late Hiteswar Saikia.
Bomb hoax halts trains in Assam
Rangiya (Assam): The New Delhi-bound Northeast Express was among several passenger and goods trains that were detained on Sunday in lower Assam's Rangiya following a telephone call that a bomb had exploded on the railway tracks a few distance away, that later turned out to be hoax.
Police said they had received a call that there was a powerful blast on the railway tracks between Rangiya and Changsari in Kamrup (Rural) district, and immediately asked railway authorities to detain all trains. After thoroughly checking the track, the security personnel declared the call as hoax. (PTI)
PM hits out at BJP to woo Assam voters
Guwahati: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Sunday said it was only Congress that was capable of leading the country through the present troubled times by virtue of its experience in handling such situations in the past and hit out at the BJP for failing to tackle terror during their rule.
Addressing a party’s election here at his adopted home state, Dr Singh said, "India is located in a disturbed corner of the world. Most of the countries in the world are passing through a difficult phase.
Economic recession has engulfed the world and unemployment is on the rise. Terrorism and extremism have posed a grave threat. Only Congress party is capable of providing a capable and stable government at this difficult juncture on the strength of its long experience in power."
"The Congress ‘hand’ is with the common man. We are committed to build a new developed India for which we have undertaken many projects. The task has remained unfinished. We want more time. Congress needs at least five more years," said.
Greeting the people of Assam on the occasion of ‘Rongali Bihu’ (spring festival) and Assamese New Year he said, " Today, I haven’t come here as a Prime Minister but a ‘sipahi’ (worker) of Congress. The UPA government at the Centre and the Congress government in Assam have strived for all-round development of the state. On the strength of it, I have come to ask for vote. Only Congress can lead India, Northeast and Assam in 21 st century."
Making potshots at rival political parties, Dr Singh said, "Some political parties are out to divide the people of the country for votes. India is a great country characterized by widespread diversity. We have to take all along with us in the path of development. Divisive attitude will lead the country to nowhere."
He hit out at BJP for failing to tackle terror. "Just recalled what the UPA government did to tackle Mumbai attack and what they did when the opposition’s government led by the BJP was in power. There is gulf of different between what BHP preaches and what it does. Terror and extremist have no place in the country and we are firmly committed to root it out," he said.
Addressing the rally at a venue located about 10 kilometers away from Maligaon where a powerful explosion triggered by ULFA militants had killed ten person on April 6 last, Dr Singh assured the people of Assam about Congress’ commitment to root out terrorism. "Still, we are ready to talk with the ULFA, but they will have to give up violence."
Wooing voters for Prime Minister highlighted on numerous centrally sponsored projects provided to Assam by the UPA government under various schemes like NRHM, Bharat Nirman, Urban Renewal Mission, Sarba Siksha etc and asked the people to vote for strengthening Congress as well as Sonia Gandhi’s hands.
Dhaka may let N-E states use Chittagong Port
Agartala: In yet another goodwill gesture, the Bangladesh government is considering opening up Chittagong Port for Northeastern states.
Dhaka is seriously considering the proposal to allow Indian states to use Chittagong sea port, said Abdul Matlub Ahmad, president of Indo-Bangla Chamber of Commerce and Industries at a press conference here on Sunday.
A ten-member Bangaldehi businessmen headed by Ahmad attended the second meeting of Task Force held here on Saturday.
"Dhaka could provide ‘logistic support’ to Tripura and other NE states so that transshipment of heavy equipments could be possible through Bangladesh territory.
Tripura had been demanding for access to Chittgong port to bring heavy equipments meant for a mega power project –Palatana in South Tripura. If Dhaka gives transshipment facility to Tripura, then equipments for the power project could be brought here easily.
ML Debnath, president of Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that an agreement was signed to use the Sheerpur port of Bangladesh, about 100 km from Akhaura and but it was never used.
The issue was discussed at the meeting of joint working group held here on Saturday.
In the meeting, it has been decided that a team of officials along with surveyors will visit the Sheerpur port to examine feasibility whether it could be used or not.
Ahmad also said Bangladesh wants to import power from Northeast India as the country is reeling under severe power crisis.
"If the Dhaka finally allows transshipment facility to Tripura or NE states, in turn it may seek power at subsidized rate besides transshipment fare", he said.
As part of boost the bilateral ties with NE, the trade body has decided to explore tourism sector in a big way.
As part of promoting business tourism, a 30-mebmer team of businessmen from Bangladesh will visit the state to explore business opportunities. Before leaving for Dhaka, the businessmen will have discussion with trade bodies or businessmen. Likewise, the Indo-Bangla trade body will also introduced Economy tourism and students & low cost tourism.
Ahmad said, the trade body is planning to send at least 300 students from Bangladesh to pursue studies in different colleges and Universities in Tripura.
Displaced Manipur villagers may boycott polls
Imphal: About 900 displaced villagers have threatened to boycott the second phase Lok Sabha polls on April 23 if the 'Operation Summer Storm' launched by army and paramilitary forces to flush out insurgents from surrounding areas of Loktak Lake and Manipur's Bishenpur district was not stopped.
A decision to this effect was taken during a public meeting of the villagers including about 129 children, who had fled from their homes due to the Operation, at Nongmaikhong Junior High School in the district, official reports from the district said on Sunday.
Reports said the displaced persons also took out a huge public rally before the meeting, demanding suspension of ongoing 'Operation Summer Storm' as it also endangered the lives of the rare species brow-antlered deer at nearby Keibul Lamjao National park due to frequent firing and explosion of bombs by security forces.
According to the reports, the villagers, fled apprehending that they would be caught in crossfire between security forces and militants, were being given shelter at relief camps at Ithai, Laphupat Tera Khunou, Arong Khunjao and surrounding villages, all near Loktak Lake, about 45 km south of here.
Placards held by rallyists read, 'Stop using civilian as human shield', 'We want peace', 'Stop bombing Keibul Lamjao National park', 'Let the people live in peace', the reports said. (PTI)
Militants attack RPSF camp in Assam
Haflong: One Railway Protection Security Force (RPSF) constable and a porter received bullet wounds tonight when unidentified militants attacked the RPSF camp near Harangajao railway station.
Constable Atul Kumar and porter Ranjit Kumar Kanujia were injured in the attack at 7.20 pm, police said.
The police said a group of extremists fired at the RPSF camp about 46 km from here and exchanged fire with the security men there.
The two wounded were admitted to local hospitals, sources added. (PTI)
Meningitis: Mass vaccination in Tripura from today
Agartala: The much-awaited vaccination programme to contain the deadly meningitis will be kicked off in Tripura’s Longtarai Valley subdivision on Monday, official source said here.
All necessary arrangements have been made to undertake the vaccination at eight selective locations in Longtari Valley subdivision, one of the most-affected subdivisions, said Dr. RK Dhar, Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine.
Around 2000 doses of vaccine have already sent to the subdivision by helicopter to undertake the programme on time. There would be no dearth of vaccine as the state government decided to buy 50,000 doses from open market.
"The department could not send required number of doses because good storage facility is not available at Longtarai Valley subdivision. Anyway, when ever requisition comes, the department will send vaccine by helicopter", Dr. Dhar said.
In the first phase, mass immunization will be carried out at Chawmanu and Lalcherra under the Manu block of Longtarai Valley subdivision, he said.
He said that 10,000 units of vaccine have been procured by the state government on its own because the Centre could not supply the vaccine till today.
As of now, the official death toll due to meningitis put 52 while a total of 221 cases were reported from January 22 to April 18.
Tight security measures for elections in Tripura
Agartala: Election observers reviewed security measures in remote and sensitive parts of Tripura which goes to the Lok Sabha polls in the second phase on April 23.
Patrolling was intensified along the 856-km long border with Bangladesh by Border Security Force while other central paramilitary forces fanned out to sensitive and insurgency-prone areas to keep a tab on movement of people, official sources said on Sunday.
Election observers held seperate meetings to review the security arrangements in remote and hyper-sensitive areas with returning officers, police and poll officials in different districts of the state yesterday.
Random checking of vehicles has been intensified and bomb disposal squad and dog squads have been pressed into service to prevent any kind of sabotage, sources said.
Tripura goes to polls for two Lok Sabha seats on April 23. (PTI)
Grenades lobbed at Assam poll meeting
Kokrajhar: Unidentified persons on Sunday lobbed two grenades at an election meeting venue in Assam's Chirang district but there was no casualty or injury.
A group of miscreants lobbed the grenades at Katribari where an election meeting of local leaders of Bodo People's Front (BPF) was on with one of the grenades exploding while the other did not go off, the police said.
The miscreants managed to escape and the police have launched a hunt to nab them, sources added. (PTI)
Nine die after drinking country liquor in Assam
Dibrugarh: Nine people died and two fell seriously ill after allegedly consuming poisonous country liquor in a tea garden on Sunday night in upper Assam's Dibrugarh district.
"The victims were celebrating a local festival with country liquor at Putu Kharia's house in Latuban Tea Estate near Naharani, Tingkhong. Kharia has been arrested," Superintendent of Police Abhijit Bora told PTI.
Three died on the spot while six others died in Naharani Tea Referrel Hospital, he said.
The two seriously ill persons were sent to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. (PTI)
Rio calls for change in education system
Mezoma: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for a complete reorientation of the present education system in the state in view of changing employment scenario where excellence has become the key word for success.
"We need education that will equip our students with the skill they need to face reality and to compete in the global job market," the Chief Minister said, addressing the 23rd biennial conference of Angami Students Union at this village, 35 km off Kohima, on Saturday.
He pointed out that although Nagaland achieved a lot quantitatively in the education sector with 75 to 80 per cent literacy rate, qualitatively a lot had to be done as the present education system has become rather outdated as it was designed basically to cater to the requirements of government jobs.
As a result, the educational institutions in the state were churning out graduates who were ill-equipped to meet the demands and challenges of the society, Rio lamented.
"I think, one indication of deficiencies in our present education system is that while there is no serious unemployment amongst those who are not educated, but this problem is acute amongst the educated ones," he said.
Rio asked the students to be more vigilant and more involved in various aspects of education reforms, governance and development process in keeping with the theme they had selected for the conference. The Chief Minister also launched the state-wide no frill accounts scheme of Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB) at the students conference. (PTI)
Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/
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According to a source in the State election department, the voter number of Dr Singh, who represents the State in the Rajya Sabha, is 726 and the same for his wife is 727.
Dr Singh has been representing Assam in Rajya Sabha since 1991 and is a tenant of Dr Hemo Prabha Saikia, a Congress leader and widow of former Assam Chief Minister Late Hiteswar Saikia.
Bomb hoax halts trains in Assam
Rangiya (Assam): The New Delhi-bound Northeast Express was among several passenger and goods trains that were detained on Sunday in lower Assam's Rangiya following a telephone call that a bomb had exploded on the railway tracks a few distance away, that later turned out to be hoax.
Police said they had received a call that there was a powerful blast on the railway tracks between Rangiya and Changsari in Kamrup (Rural) district, and immediately asked railway authorities to detain all trains. After thoroughly checking the track, the security personnel declared the call as hoax. (PTI)
PM hits out at BJP to woo Assam voters
Guwahati: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Sunday said it was only Congress that was capable of leading the country through the present troubled times by virtue of its experience in handling such situations in the past and hit out at the BJP for failing to tackle terror during their rule.
Addressing a party’s election here at his adopted home state, Dr Singh said, "India is located in a disturbed corner of the world. Most of the countries in the world are passing through a difficult phase.
Economic recession has engulfed the world and unemployment is on the rise. Terrorism and extremism have posed a grave threat. Only Congress party is capable of providing a capable and stable government at this difficult juncture on the strength of its long experience in power."
"The Congress ‘hand’ is with the common man. We are committed to build a new developed India for which we have undertaken many projects. The task has remained unfinished. We want more time. Congress needs at least five more years," said.
Greeting the people of Assam on the occasion of ‘Rongali Bihu’ (spring festival) and Assamese New Year he said, " Today, I haven’t come here as a Prime Minister but a ‘sipahi’ (worker) of Congress. The UPA government at the Centre and the Congress government in Assam have strived for all-round development of the state. On the strength of it, I have come to ask for vote. Only Congress can lead India, Northeast and Assam in 21 st century."
Making potshots at rival political parties, Dr Singh said, "Some political parties are out to divide the people of the country for votes. India is a great country characterized by widespread diversity. We have to take all along with us in the path of development. Divisive attitude will lead the country to nowhere."
He hit out at BJP for failing to tackle terror. "Just recalled what the UPA government did to tackle Mumbai attack and what they did when the opposition’s government led by the BJP was in power. There is gulf of different between what BHP preaches and what it does. Terror and extremist have no place in the country and we are firmly committed to root it out," he said.
Addressing the rally at a venue located about 10 kilometers away from Maligaon where a powerful explosion triggered by ULFA militants had killed ten person on April 6 last, Dr Singh assured the people of Assam about Congress’ commitment to root out terrorism. "Still, we are ready to talk with the ULFA, but they will have to give up violence."
Wooing voters for Prime Minister highlighted on numerous centrally sponsored projects provided to Assam by the UPA government under various schemes like NRHM, Bharat Nirman, Urban Renewal Mission, Sarba Siksha etc and asked the people to vote for strengthening Congress as well as Sonia Gandhi’s hands.
Dhaka may let N-E states use Chittagong Port
Agartala: In yet another goodwill gesture, the Bangladesh government is considering opening up Chittagong Port for Northeastern states.
Dhaka is seriously considering the proposal to allow Indian states to use Chittagong sea port, said Abdul Matlub Ahmad, president of Indo-Bangla Chamber of Commerce and Industries at a press conference here on Sunday.
A ten-member Bangaldehi businessmen headed by Ahmad attended the second meeting of Task Force held here on Saturday.
"Dhaka could provide ‘logistic support’ to Tripura and other NE states so that transshipment of heavy equipments could be possible through Bangladesh territory.
Tripura had been demanding for access to Chittgong port to bring heavy equipments meant for a mega power project –Palatana in South Tripura. If Dhaka gives transshipment facility to Tripura, then equipments for the power project could be brought here easily.
ML Debnath, president of Tripura Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said that an agreement was signed to use the Sheerpur port of Bangladesh, about 100 km from Akhaura and but it was never used.
The issue was discussed at the meeting of joint working group held here on Saturday.
In the meeting, it has been decided that a team of officials along with surveyors will visit the Sheerpur port to examine feasibility whether it could be used or not.
Ahmad also said Bangladesh wants to import power from Northeast India as the country is reeling under severe power crisis.
"If the Dhaka finally allows transshipment facility to Tripura or NE states, in turn it may seek power at subsidized rate besides transshipment fare", he said.
As part of boost the bilateral ties with NE, the trade body has decided to explore tourism sector in a big way.
As part of promoting business tourism, a 30-mebmer team of businessmen from Bangladesh will visit the state to explore business opportunities. Before leaving for Dhaka, the businessmen will have discussion with trade bodies or businessmen. Likewise, the Indo-Bangla trade body will also introduced Economy tourism and students & low cost tourism.
Ahmad said, the trade body is planning to send at least 300 students from Bangladesh to pursue studies in different colleges and Universities in Tripura.
Displaced Manipur villagers may boycott polls
Imphal: About 900 displaced villagers have threatened to boycott the second phase Lok Sabha polls on April 23 if the 'Operation Summer Storm' launched by army and paramilitary forces to flush out insurgents from surrounding areas of Loktak Lake and Manipur's Bishenpur district was not stopped.
A decision to this effect was taken during a public meeting of the villagers including about 129 children, who had fled from their homes due to the Operation, at Nongmaikhong Junior High School in the district, official reports from the district said on Sunday.
Reports said the displaced persons also took out a huge public rally before the meeting, demanding suspension of ongoing 'Operation Summer Storm' as it also endangered the lives of the rare species brow-antlered deer at nearby Keibul Lamjao National park due to frequent firing and explosion of bombs by security forces.
According to the reports, the villagers, fled apprehending that they would be caught in crossfire between security forces and militants, were being given shelter at relief camps at Ithai, Laphupat Tera Khunou, Arong Khunjao and surrounding villages, all near Loktak Lake, about 45 km south of here.
Placards held by rallyists read, 'Stop using civilian as human shield', 'We want peace', 'Stop bombing Keibul Lamjao National park', 'Let the people live in peace', the reports said. (PTI)
Militants attack RPSF camp in Assam
Haflong: One Railway Protection Security Force (RPSF) constable and a porter received bullet wounds tonight when unidentified militants attacked the RPSF camp near Harangajao railway station.
Constable Atul Kumar and porter Ranjit Kumar Kanujia were injured in the attack at 7.20 pm, police said.
The police said a group of extremists fired at the RPSF camp about 46 km from here and exchanged fire with the security men there.
The two wounded were admitted to local hospitals, sources added. (PTI)
Meningitis: Mass vaccination in Tripura from today
Agartala: The much-awaited vaccination programme to contain the deadly meningitis will be kicked off in Tripura’s Longtarai Valley subdivision on Monday, official source said here.
All necessary arrangements have been made to undertake the vaccination at eight selective locations in Longtari Valley subdivision, one of the most-affected subdivisions, said Dr. RK Dhar, Director of Family Welfare and Preventive Medicine.
Around 2000 doses of vaccine have already sent to the subdivision by helicopter to undertake the programme on time. There would be no dearth of vaccine as the state government decided to buy 50,000 doses from open market.
"The department could not send required number of doses because good storage facility is not available at Longtarai Valley subdivision. Anyway, when ever requisition comes, the department will send vaccine by helicopter", Dr. Dhar said.
In the first phase, mass immunization will be carried out at Chawmanu and Lalcherra under the Manu block of Longtarai Valley subdivision, he said.
He said that 10,000 units of vaccine have been procured by the state government on its own because the Centre could not supply the vaccine till today.
As of now, the official death toll due to meningitis put 52 while a total of 221 cases were reported from January 22 to April 18.
Tight security measures for elections in Tripura
Agartala: Election observers reviewed security measures in remote and sensitive parts of Tripura which goes to the Lok Sabha polls in the second phase on April 23.
Patrolling was intensified along the 856-km long border with Bangladesh by Border Security Force while other central paramilitary forces fanned out to sensitive and insurgency-prone areas to keep a tab on movement of people, official sources said on Sunday.
Election observers held seperate meetings to review the security arrangements in remote and hyper-sensitive areas with returning officers, police and poll officials in different districts of the state yesterday.
Random checking of vehicles has been intensified and bomb disposal squad and dog squads have been pressed into service to prevent any kind of sabotage, sources said.
Tripura goes to polls for two Lok Sabha seats on April 23. (PTI)
Grenades lobbed at Assam poll meeting
Kokrajhar: Unidentified persons on Sunday lobbed two grenades at an election meeting venue in Assam's Chirang district but there was no casualty or injury.
A group of miscreants lobbed the grenades at Katribari where an election meeting of local leaders of Bodo People's Front (BPF) was on with one of the grenades exploding while the other did not go off, the police said.
The miscreants managed to escape and the police have launched a hunt to nab them, sources added. (PTI)
Nine die after drinking country liquor in Assam
Dibrugarh: Nine people died and two fell seriously ill after allegedly consuming poisonous country liquor in a tea garden on Sunday night in upper Assam's Dibrugarh district.
"The victims were celebrating a local festival with country liquor at Putu Kharia's house in Latuban Tea Estate near Naharani, Tingkhong. Kharia has been arrested," Superintendent of Police Abhijit Bora told PTI.
Three died on the spot while six others died in Naharani Tea Referrel Hospital, he said.
The two seriously ill persons were sent to Assam Medical College and Hospital in Dibrugarh. (PTI)
Rio calls for change in education system
Mezoma: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio called for a complete reorientation of the present education system in the state in view of changing employment scenario where excellence has become the key word for success.
"We need education that will equip our students with the skill they need to face reality and to compete in the global job market," the Chief Minister said, addressing the 23rd biennial conference of Angami Students Union at this village, 35 km off Kohima, on Saturday.
He pointed out that although Nagaland achieved a lot quantitatively in the education sector with 75 to 80 per cent literacy rate, qualitatively a lot had to be done as the present education system has become rather outdated as it was designed basically to cater to the requirements of government jobs.
As a result, the educational institutions in the state were churning out graduates who were ill-equipped to meet the demands and challenges of the society, Rio lamented.
"I think, one indication of deficiencies in our present education system is that while there is no serious unemployment amongst those who are not educated, but this problem is acute amongst the educated ones," he said.
Rio asked the students to be more vigilant and more involved in various aspects of education reforms, governance and development process in keeping with the theme they had selected for the conference. The Chief Minister also launched the state-wide no frill accounts scheme of Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NSCB) at the students conference. (PTI)
Source: http://www.theshillongtimes.com/
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