North East - Developments & Debate

[Oracle]

Centre willing to amend statute
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 11 – The Government of India is even willing to amend the Constitution, if need arises to solve the problems of Assam, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram conveyed this to the ULFA delegation.
Revealing this, chairman of ULFA Arabinda Rajkhowa said that the conduct of governments of India and Assam was satisfactory. "We wanted a just, honourable and acceptable solution to the problems of Assam," he said.

Though he didn't specify the problems, he gave enough indications to suggest that illegal migration from Bangladesh could be the focus of their attention. "That Assam's identity is under grave threat is a universal truth and the ruling dispensation is responsible for this," he observed.

This is the reason for the conflict between Government of India and ULFA, the chairman said, adding that they have been raising this issue since a long time.

The chairman was addressing Assamese students at a felicitation function organised by Assamese Students' Association, Delhi (ASAD) to greet the ULFA leaders here this afternoon.

The function was attended by ULFA vice chairman, Pradip Gogoi, ideologue Bhimkanta Buragohain, Pranati Deka, Mithinga Daimary, Chitrabon Hazarika, Raju Barua, Sashadhar Choudhury, besides the chairman himself.

The function addressed by a number of the ULFA leaders, saw Rajkhowa break into one of his self composed 'revolutionary songs'. Despite repeated requests from the students, Mithinga Daimary however, declined to recite his poems.

The ULFA leaders had a word of advice for the students though: "Do not ever pick up guns. You should never take the path we had adopted."

Talking to newsmen on the sidelines of the function, one of the leaders said the proposed coordination committee was an informal proposition. He also hinted that government may be looking at the option of ceasefire pact.

"We are perhaps the first militant organisation to enter into a formal dialogue process with Government of India without signing a ceasefire pact," he said.

The Centre has constituted a seven-member coordination group to take forward the peace process. The group is to look into the issue of designated camps, surrender and other related issues.

The ULFA leaders also insisted that officially they were still outlawed and liable to be put behind bars if they violated the bail provisions.

Meanwhile, the ULFA leaders have sought an appointment with UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi and are scheduled to meet the Prime Minister on Monday.

Addressing the students, Rajkhowa said for last 30 years they have been fighting for sovereignty and because of the pre-conditions set by both the sides, a political solution could not be arrived at. "Now both sides have come forward to hold talks without any pre-condition," the chairman said giving full credit to Sanmilita Jatiya Abhibartan (SJA) for taking the initiative.

Though the chairman did not dwell much on yesterday's formal dialogue with Government of India, he mentioned about the letter written by the Prime Minister on May 25, 2005 offering to discuss everything including the core issue.

Criticising a section of the media for stating that the dialogue yesterday was over in 20 minutes, Rajkhowa said discussions have only started and it would conclude with the signing of the accord.

Speaking at the function, deputy C-in-C Raju Barua stressed that they need the support of the people and have given more importance to the wishes of the people than their own constitution. However, he cautioned that a section was out to sabotage the process and identity of these elements should be noted.

Pranati Deka said that the State's indigenous people and tribal groups faced threats to their identity and their right to live honourably should be respected.

ULFA was born because of certain compulsions because nobody likes to take up guns. But now people of the State want peace, she added.

The function was also addressed by vice chairman, Pradip Gogoi, finance secretary, Chitrabon Hazarika, and Bhimkanta Buragohain.

Meanwhile, the ULFA leaders faced a volley of questions from students. One wanted to know why they took so long to apologise for the Dhemaji blasts, another wanted to know whether the peace process would succeed, and if there is a division within the outfit.

Sashadhar Choudhury, who answered the questions, said that in the changed global scenario, militancy cannot survive. But he added that it was difficult to spell out whether the dialogue process would succeed, as it is a political process. On Dhemaji blast, he said the outfit has already clarified its position.

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[Oracle]

Child rapist gets 10-yr term
Newmai News
AIZAWL, Feb 11 – In a significant verdict on a child rapist, a 44-year old man has been sentenced to 10 years after he was found guilty of raping a minor.
Lalengliana was accused of molesting and raping minors in different hamlets of Aizawl in the past. The high court in Aizawl has been investigating his case for many days and delivered verdict on Thursday which the Court pronounced that his crime was heinous.

Lalengliana was further accused of sexually molesting some of the school students of Zemabawk School, about 6 kms from the State capital in the past. He was in fact arrested in 2006 and was later released on bail. Police informed that Lalengliana did not give up his habit of enticing minors after he was released from police custody.

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[Oracle]

Separate district demand in Manipur
CORRESPONDENT
IMPHAL, Feb 11 - Weeks after the demand for a frontier Nagaland in neighbouring Nagaland by Eastern Nagaland Public Organisation, a district demand committee has been demanding conversion of Manipur's longest serving Chief Minister's Assembly constituency into a separate district.
The District Demand Committee(DCC), Phungyar Assembly Constituency in Manipur's Ukhrul district has decided to exert pressure on the Government and submit a memorandum to Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in this regard.

The DCC want segregation of Phungyar AC from Ukhrul and declaring it as the 10th district of Manipur. It is the collective aspiration of the people in the four sub-divisions of Phungyar AC which was the home constituency of the State's longest serving Chief Minister Rishang Keishing before he became Rajya Sabha MP following his defeat in the last Assembly poll.

"We're demanding Phungyar as the 10th district of Manipur as we're socially, economically, financially and educationally backward compared to others even though it has a bigger geographical area", KV Son, secretary of the DCC said. "We need special attention like the rest of the State".

Altogether, 121 village chiefs under Phungyar's four sub-divisions-Phungyar, Kamjong, Kasom Khullen and Sahamphung covering an area of 2,500 sq km with a population of more than 50,000 took a decision in this regard at the local MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing's official quarter in Imphal on Thursday prior to submitting the memorandum.

"The administration here can further be enhanced by conglomeration of these four sub-divisions and establishing Phungyar as the district headquarter", the memorandum said. "In order to bring about better governance towards people living in these areas, creation of this new district would address the social and economic issues of these areas, alleviate poverty and improve living standards".

Villagers living under Phungyar's 146 villages(2001 census) depend on jhum cultivation. Chillies cultivated at Chatrik and Chahong villages of the AC are famous for its taste and hot flavour. Manipur has 9 districts-Imphal West,Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul.

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[SHASH2K2]

BJP demands time-bound probe into 'loot' in the North-East


Claiming that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's "tall promises" to curb corruption were proving
"hollow", the BJP on Saturday alleged that "scandals and scams" to the tune of Rs 58,000 crore had occurred in the North-East and demanded a time-bound probe into them.
"Sonia Gandhi had made tall promises against corruption. They are so hollow that not only are the central leaders corrupt, even the Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states are making money," BJP President Nitin Gadkari told reporters here.
He released a report by his party's "fact finding team" on various "scams" taking place in the North-East. The report claimed that if the level of corruption in the region was quantified, it could be to the tune of Rs 58,000 crore.
"It is unfortunate that all the scandals and scams are taking place in Congress-ruled States," he said.
The BJP leader said since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh represents the North-East in Parliament, it was his "responsibility" to check the scams which were hindering the pace of development in the region.
Mr. Gadkari said the report of the BJP team was based on evidence collected using the Right to Information.
He said while Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha would meet the Prime Minister in this regard, he would personally lead a delegation to the President to submit the report.
"Our demand is that government should conduct a time-bound probe into the loot in North-East by Congress governments," he said.
The BJP President said he would soon discuss the pending and upcoming CAG reports on North-East with party leader M.M.Joshi, who is heading Parliament's Public Accounts Committee.
"I would request him to take up the reports in PAC and issue necessary instructions to the government," he said.
The party also demanded setting up of special courts to deal with the issue of corruption in the region to ensure speedy disposal of cases.

 

[Oracle]

NESO demands special status for NE States
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – The North East Students' Organisation (NESO), the umbrella organisation of the students' bodies of the Northeastern States, has decided to stage a demonstration in New Delhi during the ensuing Budget session of the Parliament demanding special constitutional status for the region.
The NESO also decided to meet the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, leaders of the Opposition parties and the Members of Parliament from the North East to put pressure on them to take necessary steps for the solution of the burning problems of the region.

NESO chairman Samujjal Bhattacharya said that the North East should have special constitutional status with rights over land and natural resources. He said that the resources available in the States of the region should be utilised properly for the overall development of North East.

The other major demand of the NESO is permanent solution of the problem of infiltration of foreigners. Bhattacharya said that now the problem has started affecting the entire region, posing a threat to the identity of the indigenous people. For years, Assam was the worst affected, but the situation has now changed and the entire region is facing the problem of infiltration of foreigners, he added.

The third major demand to be raised by the NESO in New Delhi will be formulation of a special education policy for the region. Bhattacharya said that thousands of students from the region have to go outside every year for studies because of lack of adequate facilities in the region, which resulted in serious brain drain.

Moreover, the poor and meritorious students cannot afford to go outside for studies and to deal with the problem, the Government of India should set up more technical institutes in the region. The Centre should also play its part for improving the condition of the State universities, he added.

The NESO will also demand special employment policy for the region, holding of talks with all the militant groups for political solution of the problem of insurgency and withdrawal of the "draconian laws" like the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

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[Oracle]

WWF-India volunteers yet to be released
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 12 – A week after they were kidnapped, three volunteers of WWF-India are still in the custody of militants, believed to be members of the anti-talk faction of the NDFB. After being kidnapped from the Ultapani area of Manas Tiger Reserve, on February 6, the group of six was shifted to another place from which three female members were released on February 8 evening.
The police are monitoring the situation, and have gathered substantial information about those behind the kidnapping. It has also been mentioned that the hostages and their captors at present are close to the India-Bhutan border.

Pressure is building on the police to rescue the young volunteers while families of the hostages are becoming more apprehensive. However, it is believed that the police are sticking to a strategy to make the release possible without the use of force.

A senior police official told The Assam Tribune that efforts are being made to trace the kidnappers and operations are under way in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts. Army and BSF personnel are also engaged in carrying out combing operations in a few areas.

The police official denied possessing any information linking the kidnapping to a ransom demand. "We are not aware of it, but at the same time would not know if any other party has been approached for money in exchange for releasing the hostages".

Even as the police are making attempts at securing the safe release of the three men, sources in WWF India said that they are hopeful that the volunteers will return home soon.

Today, around 2.30 pm, one of the hostages was able to call a personnel of WWF-India, and it was learnt that they were being treated well.

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[Oracle]

BSF to boost presence along Bangla border
R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Feb 13 – Border management along the Assam-Bangladesh border is likely to see some major improvement in the days to come as the Government of India has decided to increase the strength of the Border Security Force (BSF) along the international border, while, a proposal has been mooted to increase police presence in the char areas with setting up of more char police stations.
Highly placed sources in the BSF told The Assam Tribune that the riverine international border in Dhubri district is always considered vulnerable as it is not easy to guard the border when the mighty river Brahmaputra is in full spate and smugglers and other anti-national elements always manage to take full advantage of the situation. But the situation will improve soon as the Government of India has decided to increase the strength of the border guarding force in the area.

BSF sources revealed that Assam has 134 kilometres of international border in Dhubri district, of which, 49 kilometres are riverine border, which is always considered the most vulnerable. Sources said that at present, three battalions of BSF are deployed in the Dhubri sector to guard the border there and one more battalion would be pressed into service shortly. The new battalion will be used mainly to guard the riverine international border, sources added.

The deployment of the new battalion along with additional boats will improve guarding of the riverine border, while, new border outposts in the chars located along the international border will also be established, which will reduce the gap between the existing outposts. The deployment of the new battalion is likely to be completed by March this year.

Meanwhile, commenting on the problems faced by the border guarding force in guarding the riverine border, BSF sources revealed that the riverine border is frequently used by smugglers, particularly cattle smugglers as there is no physical barrier in the area to prevent the same and it is impossible to guard every inch of the area round the clock. Though BSF personnel carry out regular patrolling by boats, that is not adequate while, the floating BOP concept was not very successful because of the fact that the water level of the Brahmaputra comes down during the dry season. Sources said that because of erosion, the char BOPs have to be shifted during the rainy season and there is very little presence of the administration in the chars located along the international border.

However, the situation is likely to see considerable improvement after the deployment of the new battalion and BSF is of the view that the Government should provide identity cards to Indian citizens living along the international border as soon as possible.

Source

 

[Oracle]

BSF to boost presence along Bangla border
R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, Feb 13 – Border management along the Assam-Bangladesh border is likely to see some major improvement in the days to come as the Government of India has decided to increase the strength of the Border Security Force (BSF) along the international border, while, a proposal has been mooted to increase police presence in the char areas with setting up of more char police stations.
Highly placed sources in the BSF told The Assam Tribune that the riverine international border in Dhubri district is always considered vulnerable as it is not easy to guard the border when the mighty river Brahmaputra is in full spate and smugglers and other anti-national elements always manage to take full advantage of the situation. But the situation will improve soon as the Government of India has decided to increase the strength of the border guarding force in the area.

BSF sources revealed that Assam has 134 kilometres of international border in Dhubri district, of which, 49 kilometres are riverine border, which is always considered the most vulnerable. Sources said that at present, three battalions of BSF are deployed in the Dhubri sector to guard the border there and one more battalion would be pressed into service shortly. The new battalion will be used mainly to guard the riverine international border, sources added.

The deployment of the new battalion along with additional boats will improve guarding of the riverine border, while, new border outposts in the chars located along the international border will also be established, which will reduce the gap between the existing outposts. The deployment of the new battalion is likely to be completed by March this year.

Meanwhile, commenting on the problems faced by the border guarding force in guarding the riverine border, BSF sources revealed that the riverine border is frequently used by smugglers, particularly cattle smugglers as there is no physical barrier in the area to prevent the same and it is impossible to guard every inch of the area round the clock. Though BSF personnel carry out regular patrolling by boats, that is not adequate while, the floating BOP concept was not very successful because of the fact that the water level of the Brahmaputra comes down during the dry season. Sources said that because of erosion, the char BOPs have to be shifted during the rainy season and there is very little presence of the administration in the chars located along the international border.

However, the situation is likely to see considerable improvement after the deployment of the new battalion and BSF is of the view that the Government should provide identity cards to Indian citizens living along the international border as soon as possible.

Source

 

[Oracle]

Central fund utilisation in NE not satisfactory: Panel

SHILLONG, Feb 13 – The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has observed that Central funds for the development of northeast region have not been 'satisfactorily' implemented, reports PTI.
"While funds are being sanctioned, the implementation is not satisfactory as we would expect it to be," the committee's chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechury said here last night.

The committee, comprising 11 MPs headed by Yechury, held review meetings here and will later come up with recommendations to enhance the connectivity and tourism scenario of the region.

"The visit is a study to know as to how to develop the tourism scenario in the region and examine and tap the potentialities of the region. The tourism sector is not growing as it should be," Yechury said.

On the poor implementation of funds in NE, Yechury said, "There are some concrete problems. Firstly, you have a six-month working season in the region due to bad weather, while the rest of India has 12 months. Then there are problems of connectivity".

He said the richness of diversity of the region is integral for the evolution of the country.

The committee, which held meetings with various agencies like NHAI, ASI, BRO, Pavan Hans, etc, will seek to address issues plaguing the region.

It will also prepare a report and submit to the Parliament, Yechury said, adding, the Centre has assured that it will be liberal in sanctioning projects proposed by the state governments.

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[Oracle]

NDFB militants admit Sonitpur killings

SHILLONG, Feb 13 – Two top NDFB militants, arrested along with three other cadres and a sympathizer in Meghalaya, have admitted their involvement in a number of killings and blasts in Assam, besides links with smaller militant groups, police said, reports PTI.
Lachit Boro alias Langana confessed to have killed 26 people, including those in the serial strikes that the outfit carried out mainly in Sonitpur, killing more than 20 people in November last year, after a cadre was gunned down by security forces, a top police official told PTI today.

Boro, the NDFB 'commander of the eastern region', his deputy 'major' Mathuram Brahma alias Mudoi, three other cadres and a local sympathizer were arrested near Byrnihat, about 90 km from here, in Ri Bhoi district bordering Assam on Thursday.

Now in police custody for five days, Mudoi also admitted his involvement in twin blasts at Barpeta Road where at least 11 people were killed in October, 2008 when the banned outfit had carried out a series of blasts killing over 70 people in the neighbouring state.

A CBI official said Mudoi, along with 18 NDFB militants, has been charge-sheeted in the case, which is being probed into by the agency and they would seek his custody for further investigation.

The arrested rebels also admitted to have maintained links with outfits like Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).

"They have confirmed meetings with leaders of HNLC and GNLA and sharing of weapons and extorted money," the police official said.

"Boro had personally met the HNLC chief Bobby Marwein and general secretary Cherishterfield Thangkhiew in Bangladesh where it was agreed that the NDFB will provide arms and ammunition to the HNLC while in return the Khasi outfit will share half of all the money it collected through extortion and other means," the official said.

Boro was also responsible for kidnapping Maharashtra forest department officer Vilas Bardekar in Arunachal Pradesh last year. The IFS officer was released after 78 days. The militant confessed to have taken Rs 1 crore for his release, investigating officials said.

Other arrested cadres are Nichiram Basumatary, Nakul Boro and Dharmeswar Brahma. A local tribal, believed to an accomplice in whose house these cadres were hiding, was also picked up.

The NDFB cadres had entered from Bangladesh on February 7 through West Khasi Hills border. They had stayed for a day at Byrnihat before entering Assam, officials added.

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[Oracle]

CM demands more rly projects for NE
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 13 – Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has requested Minister for Railways Mamata Banerjee for inclusion of a slew of projects in the Railway Budget for the year 2011-12.
In a letter to the Railway Minister, Gogoi requested Banerjee for new lines for strengthening the Railway infrastructure in the Northeast and Assam, which include a new railway line from Salona to Khumtai and Jorhat to Sivasagar for creating the transport corridors along the bank of the Brahmaputra, hitherto not covered by railway service so far; completion of the 6 kilometer Tirap-Lekhapani railway line for efficient and economical functioning of the Lekhapani coal mines to feed the upcoming 750 MW Bongaingaon Thermal Power Station (BTPS) of NTPC at Salakati in Kokrajhar district; double tracking of the railway line stretch between new Bongaigaon and Kamakhya via Goalpara to decongest the present railway line as an extension to the double tracking of the railway line stretch between New Jalpaiguri and Samuktala via Coochbehar; a new railway line from Silghat to Tezpur with a railway bridge for strategic reason; gauge conversion of the only meter gauge stretch between Badaigram and Durlabcherra.

Gogoi requested Banerjee to declare those infrastructures as 'national projects' for ensuring smooth fund flow, an official statement mentioned.

The Chief Minister also pleaded with the Railway Minister for decongestion of goods terminal at New Guwahati by expanding the freight terminal at Azara and opening up of a new terminal at Amingaon for attracting more volume of good traffic to the Changsari goods terminal.

Gogoi further requested Banerjee to introduce a new daily express train (Duranta) to Kolkata; very fast daily express trains with limited stops from Dibrugarh-Guwahati to Mumbai-Pune in the West; Vellore-Chennai; Bangalore; Trivandram-Kochi in the South and Amritsar Jammu in the North.

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[Oracle]

BJP alleges hydel power scam in Arunachal
Kalyan Barooah
NEW DELHI, Feb 14 – At least 10 hydro power projects allotted by Arunachal Pradesh Government show 'huge manipulation', Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged in its report 'Hydro Power Scam in Arunachal Pradesh'.
A special study conducted by the Party has described it as an eye opener. Newly formed companies without any experience in construction of power projects, tours and travel firms, companies operating out of government quarters, small ventures have been allotted projects worth crores of rupees. There were companies, which even after two-three years of being allotted projects have not submitted Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

Arunachal Pradesh has made allotment of 70,000 MW, and till now the State Government has in two years time allotted 137 projects, out of which 120 belong to private sector.

The Memorandum of Agreements (MoAs) have been signed directly by Chief Minister, Dorjee Khandu, showing no use of diligence, application of mind or background study of promoters ahead of signing of MoA, it was alleged, adding that some of the beneficiaries were Congressmen, MLAs and their close relatives.

The BJP report said that 10 companies found to be involved in manipulation included Patel Tours and Travels, Meena Engineering, Nido Energy, Arunachal Pradesh Mega Power Project, Geopong Enterprises, Supereco India Private Limited, Takkai Energy Private Limited, Tuff Energy Private Limited, Sai Krishnodaya Industries Private Limited and India Bulls Limited.

The Report said Patel Tours and Travels, a Mumbai-based company with a paid up capital of Rs 1 lakh but since been expanded to Rs 50 lakh. Two power projects have been allotted to the Company, which maintain a 200-square-feet office at Andheri in Mumbai.

This is a unique example of corruption, the report said, adding that a tours and travel company with zero turnover has been allotted highly technical hydro power projects. The Company has not filed any DPRs till today and study shows manipulation with the help of political contacts, it said.

Citing another example, the report said companies have been sitting on to projects. India Bulls got four projects on October 25, 2007. It has not submitted DPR till date.

The Report also cited the curious case of Nido Energy Systems Private Limited, which operates out of a State Government Servants' quarter at Itanagar. An RTI application helped unearth the official address, which is a government servant quarter.

The Company was formed with a paid up capital of Rs 15 lakh, which was originally a company called Lullu Construction and Trading Private Limited.

Meena Entrade and Engineering Private Limited has bagged a 25 MW project costing Rs 150-200 crore. Like other companies, it also does not have any experience of executing power projects.

A company called Sai Krishnodaya Industries Private Limited has been allotted five power projects, of which four were allotted on the same day. Even out of the five, three projects were subsequently upgraded.

A project of 100 MW can be directly allotted by the State Government to any company. The Company was formed in 2006 and with a paid up capital of Rs 1 lakh and authorised capital of Rs 1 crore in 2009.

Another interesting case was that of TT Power and Project Developers Private Limited, which was incorporated on March 9, 2010 and it bagged contracts to execute Six MW project on June 11, 2010, two months later.

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in a preliminary study conducted in 2001 identified 168 projects with an installed capacity of 63,328 MW in Brahmaputra Basin.

The BJP has now demanded investigation by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and a study by a Parliamentary committee, besides scrapping of the deals.

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[Oracle]

ULFA leaders call on PM
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 14 – A delegation of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today called on the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in his official residence for an informal discussion.
The delegation, headed by the chairman of the outfit, Arabinda Rajkhowa, arrived at the residence of the Prime Minister at 6.30 pm and held talks for about ten minutes in presence of the National Security Adviser Shivsankar Menon and Centre's interlocutor for talks, PC Haldar. Before the Prime Minister's meeting with the ULFA leaders, Haldar briefed him about the progress of the peace initiative. Official sources, however, termed the ULFA leader's meeting with the Prime Minister as a courtesy call.

After the meeting, the ULFA leaders went off to an undisclosed location without speaking to the waiting media persons.

It may be mentioned here that the talks between the Government and the ULFA started on February 10 in a tripartite meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, while, on the same day the ULFA leaders called on the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

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[Oracle]

US co proposes solar plant in Meghalaya
Raju Das
SHILLONG, Feb 14 – A United States-based company, Azure Power, has proposed to set up a solar plant in Meghalaya with one time investment of Rs 150 crore to generate 10 megawatt of solar energy.
The US-based solar power producer firm having its international headquarters at California and its headquarters in India at New Delhi, has already negotiated with the State Government for signing the solar power purchase agreement (SPPA) once the site for setting up the proposed solar plant is finalised.

"We have submitted our proposal to the Meghalaya Government and had discussion with Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and other officials. If everything goes well, we have the capacity to install the plant within this year," Azure Power Chairman HS Wadhwa told journalists here on Saturday.

Wadhwa said the proposed solar plant would be set up in a place where it will be suitable to both Azure and the State Government.

According to him, sunrays are in abundance in Meghalaya and sunshine is viable for setting up the plant in Ri-Bhoi district bordering Assam and West Garo Hills district bordering Assam and Bangladesh.

The Azure official claimed that the proposed plant once fully operational, will employ most advanced solar photovoltaic technology and eliminate as much carbon dioxide pollution through green energy which will not harm the nature besides creating opportunity for employment.

Wadhwa said that the Rs 150 crore one-time investment for setting up the proposed solar plant in Meghalaya would be funded to Azure by World Bank in which the cost per mega watt is Rs 15 crore.

Azure Power has already operationalised India's first private solar power plant in Punjab in 2009 and two plants in Gujarat.

Azure Power has also invested about Rs 180 crore in Gujarat to develop another 15 mega watt solar photovoltaic power plant and signed a 25-year SPPA with Gujarat for the Rs 180 crore project, which is expected to be commissioned by September 2011.

Wadhwa informed that Azure is negotiating with the Gujarat Government to set up a 100 MW solar power plant and also to develop similar plant in Rajasthan.

"Our aim is to be a leading solar power generator in India by offering viable and socially-responsible alternatives to conventional sources of energy. We have therefore planned to come up with solar power plant in every State of the country to encourage using of green energy which is environment-friendly and pollution-free," Wadhwa said.

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[Oracle]

PM assures acceptable solution: Arabinda
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 15 – Chairman of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) Arabinda Rajkhowa today said that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has assured an honourable and acceptable solution to the ULFA-Centre peace talks.
Rajkhowa also stated that peace talks would begin on the basis of the letter issued by the Centre on May 25, 2005 to ULFA assuring to discuss all the core issues.

Rajkhowa read out his statement minutes after landing at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi international airport from New Delhi around 1:40 pm today.

The outfit's chairman while terming the meeting with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister as fruitful, said: "During our meeting with the Prime Minister, the latter appreciated our gesture towards ensuring peaceful and political solution to the problems. He also assured that the rights of the people of Assam would be upheld through an honourable and acceptable solution.

"The talks took off in a congenial environment and we hope that the Centre would execute all the assurances given during the first round of talks in letter and spirit," Rajkhowa asserted.

However, Rajkhowa refrained from making any statement on whether the issue of outfit's elusive 'c-in-c' Paresh Baruah was discussed during the first round of talks.

Rajkhowa further urged the people of Assam including all political and non-political organisations to get united on a common agenda, without which the entire idea of peace talks would be futile.

The central executive committee members of the ULFA led by chairman Rajkhowa left for New Delhi for the first round of peace talks, which began on February 10.

Rajkhowa appealed to the people of Assam to remain conscious so that the peace talks fetch the desired results.

Source

 

[Oracle]

NE States support move to extend ULFA ban
Spl Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 15 – The North Eastern States including Assam have supported the Centre's move to extend the ban on outlawed ULFA for another term.
An Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal on Tuesday heard the counsels for the four States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland and posted the matter for further hearing on March 3. Nagaland Government, which is yet to give its opinion on banning ULFA, has been directed to submit it by the next date of hearing.

The Tribunal headed by Justice Mukta Gupta heard the counsels for the North Eastern States and Government of India, before fixing the next date of hearing.

Notwithstanding the ongoing peace process with ULFA, the Union Government wants to continue with the classification of the outfit, as a "terrorist group" due to its "terrorist skills", which poses a challenge to the security of Assam and other neighbouring States, the Tribunal has been told.

A major cause of concern for the Home Ministry, which is a party to the case, is the activities of self-styled commander-in-chief, Paresh Barua, who still heads the rival faction and has close links with foreign countries including China.

ULFA military chief, who has so far refused to come forward for negotiations with the Centre still runs camps in Myanmar and other areas.

Considering all the aspects, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had in last November decided to endorse the proposal to extend the ban on ULFA.

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[Oracle]

Trial to begin on February 28
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 15 – The trial into the October 30, 2008 serial blasts, which claimed more than 90 lives, besides leaving hundreds injured, would finally begin on February 28.
The case, in which Ranjan Daimary, the chief of the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) is a prime accused, was today committed to the Sessions Court, Kamrup.

All the 12 accused presently in judicial custody have been asked to appear before the Court on that day.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had already filed two chargesheets in this connection, including an additional chargesheet naming 22 accused, including NDFB chief Daimary alias Nabla. Advocate Manas Sarania is representing Daimary in the Court.

The first chargesheet was filed on May 25, 2009, while the CBI filed the additional chargesheet on December 20, 2010.

Of the 22 accused named in the chargesheet, 12 including Daimary are currently in judicial custody and have appeared before the Court as directed by the Court. The rest have been stated as absconders.

The chargesheet stated that the NDFB (Ranjan faction) had masterminded the serial blasts, which included three in Guwahati, three in Kokrajhar, two in Barpeta Road and one in Bongaigaon.

Meanwhile, Assam Police today secured five days custody of the five NDFB rebels who were arrested by the Meghalaya police around a week back.

The NDFB cadres were produced before the Court of Sub Divisional Magistrate (1) today.

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India-Myanmar border to get helipads

NEW DELHI, Feb 15 – The Government is planning to build helicopter bases and enhance road connectivity along the porous Indo-Myanmar border to enable dispatching of quick reinforcements and other supplies to BSF troops who will now guard the border instead of the paramilitary Assam Rifles, reports PTI.
The Centre is also expected to clear a Rs 8639.81 crore budget plan in the coming fiscal to raise additional 41 battalions in the Border Security Force which will now be deployed close to that border in order to enhance vigil.

The BSF will have additional 41,000 personnel, four frontier headquarters, 11 sector headquarters after the government recently decided to replace the Assam Rifles — currently guarding the 1,640km-long frontier — by the BSF, which guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"A security audit report jointly prepared by the BSF and Assam Rifles has been submitted to the Home Ministry. The proposal envisages construction of helipads and enhancement of road network along the porous and densely forested Indo-Myanmar border," sources familiar with the development said.

"The proposal is under active consideration and advanced stage for approval, including the financial sanction for increasing the strength of the BSF, to enable it to take up the new responsibility," they said.

Most of the posts of Assam Rifles are located well inside Indian territory and only a handful of posts are located near the zero line, which makes it easier for the insurgents camping in Myanmar to sneak into India easily.

The BSF has hence been asked to construct the posts close to the border, they said.

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[Oracle]

NDFB bomber to be handed over to CBI
Raju Das
SHILLONG, Feb 15 – The prime suspect behind some of the deadliest bombings in Assam, Mathuram Brahma alias Mudoi of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) would be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Mudoi, a self-styled sergeant major of the NDFB was arrested by Meghalaya police from village Rangsana in Ri-Bhoi district bordering Assam on February 10.

"Meghalaya police would hand over Mudoi to Assam police for interrogation. Subsequently, he would be handed over to the CBI for further probe whether he was involved in the bombings in Assam over the past few years," Claudia A Lyngwa, Ri-Bhoi district's Superintendent of Police said.

Mudoi is suspected to be behind the serial bomb blasts in Guwahati on October 30, 2008 that left many people dead and several more injured.

The militant is also suspected to be involved in the Sonitpur district bombing and the kidnapping of an Indian Forest Service officer in Arunachal Pradesh, Vilas Warkare last year.

Besides Mudoi, Meghalaya police's Special Operations Team arrested Lachit Boro alias Langana, the "commander" of the NDFB's "eastern command" in Assam's Sonitpur district and Nichiram Basumatary, Nakul Boro and Dharmeswar Brahma.

Lachit Boro is said to be involved in the murder of Raymond Philip Diengdoh, on November 2007. Diengdoh was a Deputy Superintendent of Police in Meghalaya. Meghalaya police got three days custody to question Lachit Boro for his alleged role in the murder of the police officer.

"Boro is the prime suspect in the killing of Raymond during an encounter between Meghalaya police and the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) and the NDFB," Lyngwa said. Raymond was posthumously awarded India's highest peace time gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra.

All the militants, police say, crossed over to India from Bangladesh and were hiding in Ri-Bhoi district. Police say they will investigate the nexus between the NDFB, HNLC and Garo National Liberation Army.

Meghalaya shares a 443-km border with Bangladesh with several parts remaining unfenced. The militants taking advantage of this porous and hostile border region have been managing to sneak in and out of India.

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[Oracle]

PM refuses to commit time-frame for solution
Spl CORRESPONDENT
NEW DELHI, Feb 16 – Assertion by ULFA notwithstanding, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday refused to commit a time-frame for resolution of their vexed problems, though he mentioned that Government of India is serious about an honourable solution.
Interacting with editors of TV channels, the Prime Minister responding to a question over fixing of a time-limit said, "I think the process has just started. It would give me the greatest happiness, if we could say that we could complete it immediately."

"But I know we are dealing with a difficult problem. It is an essay in mutual comprehension. We have just started talking to ULFA," Dr Singh reminded.

"It would be wrong on my part to say that right now I can fix the time limit that would be our effort," he added.

"The ULFA leaders came and called on me. I am very happy with what they told me and I assured them that Government of India is absolutely serious to find an honourable solution to all these issues," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister was asked whether Government of India would like to fix any time-frame to complete the peace process with the ULFA given the fact that the dialogue with NSCN (I-M) has been continuing for nearly 14 years.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister observed that the situation in North-east is getting normalised. In Assam, talks are going to begin with ULFA, he said in his opening remarks.

"That the ULFA leadership having decided to give up the path of violence is a welcome development, which would have far reaching consequences for the growth process in our North Eastern States," the Prime Minister said.

The group of pro-talk ULFA leaders led by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa on Tuesday returned to Assam after meeting the Prime Minister on Monday evening, concluding their five-day-long tour of the capital. A four-member delegation of ULFA met the Prime Minister in presence of National Security Adviser, Shiv Shankar Menon and interlocutor P C Haldar.

The chairman had described the talks with the Prime Minister as satisfactory and appreciated Dr Singh.

The ULFA chairman has said that they are looking for a just, honourable and acceptable solution of their demands. Though the outfit has not yet submitted their list of demands, Rajkhowa has stressed on the need to amend the Constitution of India to safeguard the identity of the indigenous people.

The ULFA leaders have also called for resolution of their problems within a specific time schedule.

Last week on February 10 they sat with Union Home Secretary G K Pillai and held the first round of formal dialogue being described as introductory talks. A seven-member coordination group was constituted with representatives from ULFA, Government of India and Assam to take the process forward.

The ULFA leaders met Union Home Minister P Chidambaram the same day, which was described as a courtesy call.

Meanwhile, Tarun Gogoi Government has come for praise by the Prime Minister, who complimented it for handling of the ULFA peace process.

"The Government in Assam has done very well and the peace process is another factor, which would strengthen the ruling party in Assam," Dr Singh remarked.

Asked whether, the Congress would be able to return to power for the third consecutive term in Assam, the Prime Minister said "I hope, I think they will do so".

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