Guwahati student makes it to Times Scholars list

Ajitesh Gogoi loves gadgets and keeps abreast with anything latest in the world of technology. He loves his computer which is the window for him to explore the world of technology around him.

A student of Class XII at DPS Guwahati, Ajitesh has a dream that one day he will become a top-notch IT professional in the country. Ajitesh, a resident of Beltola Survey area of Guwahati, was born on December 14, 1994. His father, Dibya Dhar Gogoi, is a forest department officer and is currently posted at Kaziranga National Park. His mother, Mouchumi Saikia Gogoi, passed away last year. Ajitesh has a younger sister, Namrata, who studies in Class VII in the same school.

When he was selected for Times Scholars, Ajitesh's joy knew no bounds as he started dreaming that he is moving in the right direction in fulfilling his aspirations.

'Times Scholars' is an initiative by The Times of India to recognize and reward the brightest young minds, 45,000 of whom applied for the scholarship this year. The final round for the top 100 - 105, to be precise - is slated for November 3 in Delhi.

Poacher who killed two Kaziranga rhinos caught

A rhino poacher, who killed two rhinos at Kaziranga National Park, was arrested by police early on Tuesday. A .303 rifle, a .32 pistol, a silencer and six rounds of live ammunition were found on him.

Police said based on some intelligence inputs, security forces including the army, CRPF and police launched a joint operation in the hills of Karbi Anglong on Monday night. But the poacher managed to flee to Bokakhat, where they caught him later.

Superintendent of police (Karbi Anglong) B B Chetry said, "An overnight joint operation of police, CRPF and army was launched in the Karbi hills last night. But, the poacher, along with his weapons, managed to flee from his hideout in the hills and arrived in Bokakhat at around 4.30 am. Our staff chased him away from the hills and caught him at Palashguri area in Bokakhat where he trying to hide."

Project to improve water supply - Assam among four states selected for $1bn World Bank scheme

Assam will get a slice of the proposed $1 billion World Bank loan to improve piped water and sanitation in rural areas.

Official sources said the Union ministry of drinking water and sanitation has identified Assam as the only state from the Northeast, which will benefit from the six-year assistance.

The project information document published by the bank on Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project for Low-income States says the ministry has requested for $1 billion loan for Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh for improving piped water and sanitation. The project is likely to be approved by May next year.

Assam has been selected on the basis of having very low indicators for piped water and sanitation coverage. Only 6.8 per cent of households in the state have access to piped water and with regard to toilets, though 60 per cent houses have access to them, about half are not fit for use.

Tribute to blast victims : Candles, tears for wounds still raw

Colours formed a myriad images on canvases under Ganeshguri flyover this morning as painters paid tribute to victims of the October 30 blasts in their way.

One artist was inspired to paint a dove and another painted a flyover joining two human bodies. These paintings today stood at the same spot, where four years ago, blood stained the ground and ominous clouds of acrid, black smoke filled the air.

Veteran artist Gauri Barman painted a bloodstained bird. “The bird, the symbol of peace, lies dead instead of spreading its wings in the air. At the same time, I am also trying to say that we have failed to do anything for the families of the victims.”

A few metres away, stood the newly unveiled martyrs’ memorial. Sculptor Biren Singha’s installation is a reminder that like the fallen leaves of the tree, many lives were snuffed out before their time. The diya at the centre is waiting for a time of peace when it will be lit, Singha said.

Trafficked girls relive trauma

They may have been rescued and their lives changed, but the trauma of their horrific experiences is yet to fade away.

The three teenaged girls — one from Kamrup (metro) and the other two from Myanmar who had come to Calcutta to get their mother treated for some ailment — were trafficked to different locations in the country before their were rescued by anti-human trafficking organisations.

These girls today came forward to share their ordeal during a workshop on trafficking organised by Global Organisation for Life Development (GOLD) in the city today. The workshop focused on how to rehabilitate victims of human trafficking and the laws governing the trade in India.

Scheme for mustard farmers, Borka

Borka village in Kamrup is being targeted for improved mustard cultivation under a joint programme of Lions Club and the Assam Agricultural University.

The programme aims to improve the capacities of 700 farmers of Borka village in Kamrup district in certified seed production technology of high-yielding toria (mustard) varieties TS-36 and TS-38 developed by the Assam Agricultural University.

The village is being targeted under a village adoption programme of Lions Care and Horticultural Research Station Kahikuchi is acting as the technical support partner.

Convenor of village development programme of Lions Care, a philanthropic organisation under Lions Club, Rajkumar More said a number of steps were on the anvil, including contract farming of potato and production of lentil among others, through a farmer group approach.

Violence at Dhubri again

A house at Bahdurtary (Ananda Bazar) here was torched last night though shops, which had remained closed for the past four days, opened during the period of curfew relaxation today.

The house of one Radha Debi at Bahadurtary in ward 11 here was torched late last night with Radha and her daughter’s family of three sleeping inside.

“We woke up when the house caught fire and cried for help. But it was completely reduced to ashes before anybody could do anything,” Radha’s daughter, Kabita Das, said.

She said she and several other persons smelt petrol as the arsonists had probably sprinkled the fuel before setting the house on fire.

People of the locality alleged that since troubled started last week, they had closed the bamboo bridge connecting the locality with other areas. This might have angered the other community and spurred them into torching the house.

Dhubri town sub-inspector Dewan Harmuj Ali said barring the arson, no fresh incident was reported from any part of Dhubri town.

The town is now limping back to normality though tension prevails in some parts of the town.

Shops finally opened and government offices and banks functioned normally during the curfew relaxation period today.

The curfew was re-imposed from 5pm.

Tales of sex workers explored - Assam’s Rabijita Gogoi’s play in Prithvi Theatre festival

Assam’s Rabijita Gogoi is all set to tell the world about the life of sex workers.

Rabijita’s play Ok Tata Bye Bye, which will be staged at Prithvi Theatre Festival on Monday, is about a couple’s venture to document the life of sex workers and their experiences during the process.

Ok Tata Bye Bye is a play written during Writer’s Bloc 2011, where 12 new plays were penned under the guidance of theatre scriptwriters from the UK in a workshop and produced by Rage theatre, Mumbai.

Written by Purba Naresh and directed by Rabijita, the bilingual (Hindi and English) play will cast Alham Khan Karachiwala, Prerna Chawla, Nishi Joshi, Gagan Riar, Sunita Rajwar, Jim Sarbh, Gopal Dutt and Sarika Singh.

Many vulnerable spots still not covered by CCTV Camera

Even four years after the October 30 serial blasts that rocked the state and claimed more than a hundred lives, the state government's promise to bring the whole city under Close Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance remains incomplete as of now.

Soon after the blasts took place in 2008, the state government had announced a slew of security measures, including installation of 291 CCTV cameras at 91 vulnerable spots in the city, as recommended by the Enquiry Committee, headed by retired IPS officer D N Dutta, constituted by the government in the aftermath of the serial blasts. Despite the deadline to complete the installation of the CCTV cameras by September this year has gone by, only 50 CCTVs have been installed in only nine locations till now.

Disaster management exercise in Guwahati

With participation of national and international emergency experts, the Guwahati Emergency Management Exercise (GEMEx) - a joint emergency management programme - kicked off here on Monday.

The week-long programme, initiated by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with Assam State Disaster Management Authority and District Disaster Management Authority Kamrup (Metro) district, is the highest level of emergency management exercise ever conducted in the country after Mumbai and Chennai.

"According to the 2012 World Disaster Report, 15 million people across the world are displaced by natural and technical disasters every year. As many as 50,000 people are killed by earthquakes every year in the world. Flood affects the lives of 99 million people across the globe every year. Training to combat disasters has become crucial in view of such high number of causalities," said Margarita Tileva, the chief of emergencies, Unicef.

Private bus operators are likely to revise fares

After the Assam State Transportation Corporation (ASTC), the private tour operators are likely to revise the fares fixed by the state government from Thursday. This came while people of the state have just begun to feel the pinch of the 25 per cent hike in transport fares made by the state government after constant demand of the transporters amid hike in diesel prices.

"ASTC is already charging the revised rates from the passengers. But the private bus operators is likely to revise their fares from Thursday as they are waiting for the completion of some formalities," said Pranab Kumar Adhikary, bus division manager of Network Travels, a leading private tour operator of the state.

Guwahati blast 2008 - 4 years later, victims continue to struggle

It’s a day that makes scores of families weep, hundreds shudder and gives thousands goose bumps.

October 30, 2008, may go down as one of the darkest days in Assam history but Naresh Tumung, 35, does not even remember the horrific instant that changed his and his family’s life forever.

The one-time autorickshaw driver battled with death for eight months after the powerful blast at Ganeshguri maimed his left hand and left leg and damaged his brain. Though he won that battle, he lost much more.

Today, living with his mother, Gulapi, in a rickety bamboo hut provided by people of his locality at Hengerabari, he lives off his brother’s income and has no memory whatsoever of who he was before that fateful day. Even his wife was taken away by her family members on the day of the blast. His pastime — playing chess with neighbours who drop by every day to check his progress.

Traffic violation in Guwahati on rise

Over one lakh cases of traffic violations have been registered by cops in the city till August this year.

The figure points to the fact that large numbers of motorists in the city, “particularly a section of youths”, are showing utter disregard for traffic rules.

According to city traffic police records, altogether 1,01,342 cases of traffic violations were registered in the city till August this year and a whopping Rs 1,91,12,100 has been collected in fines.

“By the end of this year, these figures are likely to cross last year’s sum,” a source in the city police said. Last year, traffic police registered 1,27,660 cases and collected Rs 2,59,86,200 in fines.

Doctor's advice for stroke

Many people with hypertension and high cholesterol levels here are not meticulous in taking medicines regularly and not following medical advice which doubly increase their chances of suffering brain strokes. This was stated by doctors on World Stroke Day today.

The city hospitals receive a significant number of patients suffering from brain strokes very frequently. While some patients recover after surgeries, many become paralysed for life.

World Stroke Day is observed across the world to educate people on the causes of brain stoke and ways to prevent it.

World Stroke Day is part of World Stroke Campaign of the World Stroke Organisation.

Adda to hold seminars and workshops in the presence of eminent filmmakers

Adda is all set to organise the ninth edition of its short film festival, which has been providing aspiring filmmakers with a platform to showcase their creativity in front of a greater audience.

The organisers will celebrate the Ninth Adda Short Film Festival 2012 in a grand way. This time it will be a two-day event — December 8 and 9 at District Library — instead of a daylong one. Seminars and workshops in the presence of national award-winning film personalities will be held to encourage budding filmmakers.

Adda has been holding short film festival for more than a decade now to popularise short films. Through these festivals it not only tries to encourage short filmmakers but also makes people aware of short films.

CCITNO urges Dispur not to allow migrants to settle

The Coordination Committee of Indigenous Tribal National Organisation today accused Dispur of making an attempt to settle illegal migrants in Bodoland Territorial Areas District (BTAD) in the name of rehabilitation of riot victims.

The allegation has assumed significance in view of tomorrow’s meeting of the group of ministers in Dispur to review the status of the process of rehabilitation of riot victims.

The committee members today met Prithibi Majhi, the chairman of the cabinet committee on rehabilitation of riot victims in the BTAD, and submitted a memorandum to him demanding that the government must not allow settlement of illegal migrants under any circumstances.

AGP writes EC to remove discrepancies from Voters List

The AGP today shot off a letter to the Election Commission of India alleging discrepancies in the draft photo electoral rolls, 2013.

The working president of the AGP, Atul Bora, said they had faxed a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, V.S. Sampath, today requesting him to take suitable measures to remove “discrepancies” in the draft electoral rolls of the state which were published on October 19.

“This issue was discussed during our steering committee meeting held on October 26 and we have moved the chief election commissioner today,” he said.

Bora said there was no mention of the word “draft” in the draft electoral rolls which had created doubts in the minds of the people. “Moreover, in the draft rolls, which were published on October 19, the date of publication was written as January 23, 2013, which was the date for publication of the final rolls. As a result of that there is no way for us to find out if any draft roll is sent to a polling station as the final list,” he said.

Influx facts are half truth, says AASU

The All Assam Students’ Union today described Dispur’s recent white paper on the foreigners issue as a “half truth” and alleged that important historical facts had been suppressed to mislead the people of Assam.

AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya told reporters at a news conference here today that though the Tarun Gogoi government had made an attempt to disclose some facts and figures about illegal migration, some important historical facts about the problem had not found place in such an important document. The student body also distributed a document on the history of the anti-foreigner movement in the state among the reporters.

“We are not rejecting the white paper but at the same time, it is not a foolproof document. It cannot be the basis for research and study on the illegal migration issue in the future,” Bhattacharyya said.

Dhubri Women lathicharged by police

Police today lathicharged a group of women who were demonstrating outside Dhubri police station demanding the release of nine persons who were detained by police last night.

The police action not only dampened the festive spirit on Lakshmi Puja but also caused deep resentment among the residents of Dhubri.

Last night, Dhubri police picked up nine persons from Bishnu Hall, Sluice Gate, Korai Patty and Nulia Patty areas in connection with clashes that took place few days ago. Six of them were arrested and the rest were later released. The protesters claimed that all them were innocent and the police arrested them without any inquiry on the basis of a false FIR lodged by some persons.

Memorial to be unveiled for 2008 Guwahati blast victims

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi will unveil a swahid bedi below Ganeshguri flyover at the site of the 2008 serial blasts on Tuesday to honour those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

October 30 marks the fourth anniversary of the tragedy and a memorial service is also being organised by the Kamrup (metro) district administration in collaboration with the state government.

Around 90 people died and many were injured during the serial blasts, which occurred at Ganeshguri, Panbazar and near CJM Court at Kachari.

Assamese sculptor Biren Singha has created the memorial at an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakh.

“Like every year, this time, too, we are organising a memorial service to pay tribute to the people who had lost their lives during the serial blasts. A prayer service will be followed by lighting of lamps by the public. The chief minister will inaugurate the memorial on the occasion. The families of the victims are likely to be present during the service,” said Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner Ashutosh Agnihotri.

250 Kids joined workshop on songs of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

Children here got a taste of Bhupen Hazarika’s music during a three-day workshop on the maestro’s creations that concluded at Gauhati Commerce College today.

Organised by Dr Bhupen Hazarika Literary and Cultural Forum — a body formed in August to promote Hazarika’s creations without distortion among people, especially the young generation — the workshop was attended by around 250 children from different parts of the city.

Hazarika’s brother, Samar, was the resource person during the workshop.

Though the depth of Hazarika’s lyrics apparently eluded the young minds, they enthusiastically learned these by heart and sang along with Samar Hazarika. The fact that most of them were from English medium schools did not stand in the way.

Milk set to get costlier by Rs. 5 to 6 per litre

The morning cup of brew is likely to become dearer with price of milk likely to increase within the next fortnight in the city.

The Brihattar Gauhati Go-Palak Sanstha is contemplating to increase the price of milk by about Rs 5-6 per litre to meet the rising costs of production.

The Sanstha today said rising cost of inputs like cattle feed and fuel have resulted in a sudden increase in the production cost of milk. As a result, for the past few days, the 5,000-odd dairy farmers here are incurring losses.

Interacting with the media today, Mridupaban Baishya, adviser to the Brihattar Gauhati Go-Palak Sanstha, said, “After the rise in fuel prices, the cost of cattle feed has suddenly gone up. Besides, prices of other inputs and labour cost of rearing the livestock are increasing continuously. It is becoming exceedingly difficult for us to meet the production cost. The livelihoods of innumerable families are directly associated with this business. While the present price of milk is Rs 33 per litre, the production cost has increased to Rs 37.50 per litre in the last few days. Hence, we have no other option but to increase the price by the second week of November. We appeal to the public to understand our position.”

GMDA set to go online for building permission system

The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority will move to a computerised building permission system in order to reduce the hassles of the manual system.

The new system is expected to make the whole process of building permission more transparent and user-friendly.

“We get a lot of complaints from the present manual building permission system and want to make it totally error-free,” said GMDA chief executive officer M. Angamuthu.

The new system will be a computer-aided design-based computerised solution for automatic building permission scrutiny. CAD is used to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design and many private organisations use it in varied applications.

The move comes in the wake of the recent meeting between Assam Real Estate and Infrastructure Developers Association president P.K. Sharma and Guwahati development department minister Ajanta Neog, where Sharma requested the entire process be made online with strict penal provisions for offending officials.

Tezpur Medical college hits the Eco hurdle

An expert panel of the environment and forests ministry has found that construction of Tezpur Medical College and Hospital has begun without obtaining the mandatory environmental clearances, which is in “violation” of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification.
The issue came up for discussion at the 116th meeting of the expert appraisal committee for building construction, coastal regulation zone, infrastructure development and miscellaneous projects that was held from September 19 to 21 at New Delhi.

“The committee after discussion (has) concluded that since construction has already begun, this is a case of violation,” the committee report stated. According to the details of the meeting, an executive engineer of the public works department revealed that construction for the above project had already begun.

Environmental clearance for certain developmental projects has been made mandatory by the ministry of environment and forests through its notification issued on January 27, 1994 under the provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Dhemaji ready to export Organic paddy to European Countries

Dhemaji district in Assam is getting ready to export organic paddy (bao dhan) to European countries.

The development took place after the agriculture department traced the high protein and iron content in four traditional bao paddy varieties in the flood-prone district, during a recent study.

Dhemaji deputy commissioner M.S. Manivannan said samples of four bao paddy varieties have already been sent to the desired European farm through a New Delhi-based institution.

The local administration is waiting to get a green signal from the authorities concerned for sending as much as 40 metric tonnes organic paddy in the first phase.

A team of European experts will visit the district within the next month for a detailed study of the concept of bao paddy cultivation and the visit will follow a direct link between the Dhemaji farmers and the European paddy exporters.

3 ULFA hardcore ultras nabbed in Assam; grenades, pistol recovered

Three hardcore ULFA insurgents were arrested with grenades, pistols and ammunition from Assam's Goalpara and Dibrugarh districts on Saturday.

On a tip off, police nabbed two militants from a bus coming from Arunachal Pradesh in front of the army camp at Lakhipur in Goalpara district.

Five hand grenades, a pistol with 20 ammunition and blank cartridges of AK-47 rifle were recovered from the ultras who are brothers, police sources said.

The two have been identified as Gupesh Hajong, who was trained in an ULFA camp in Bhutan in 1997, and Durlav Hajong, the sources said.

In Dibrugarh district, another ULFA extremist Nitul Das was picked up at Chabua with five grenades, one pistol, ammunition and documents.

Interrogation of the arrested ultras were on, they added.

Vegetable prices in Upper Assam burn holes in customers’ pockets

The flood that swept across the state in September might well be over, but the impact it left behind is still causing pain to the common man, particularly in the two Upper Assam districts of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh where almost 90 per cent of the population suffered directly or indirectly due to the floods.

One major impact which the common man is encountering these days is a massive price rise in the prices of vegetables. As the summer vegetables gradually vanish from the markets, winter vegetables like cauliflower, cabbages, brinjals, beans, etc., have started arriving in the markets. But, as the customers go to the market they are stumped with exorbitant prices of these vegetables.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan enthrals audience

Internationally acclaimed Sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan enthralled audiences at the ITA Machkhowa this evening.

Among those who witnessed the show of the legendry musician in the State were Assam Governor JB Patnaik, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Nagaland Governor Nikhil Kumar, besides a host of noted personalities.

The Sarod maestro was accompanied by his two sons – Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan.

Titled ‘Peace and Harmony Concert’, the show was organised as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC). NEZCC chairman Nikhil Kumar, who is also the Governor of Nagaland, was the chief host of the event.

The performance of the Sarod maestro is part of the year-long Silver Jubilee celebrations of the NEZCC – a premier autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The celebrations have been organised in various parts of the Northeast for almost a year now.

Eid-ul-Zuha celebrated in Assam

Eid-ul-Zuha was celebrated across Assam on Saturday with prayers for peace.

In Guwahati, thousands of people offered namaz at the historic Machkhowa Eidgah. Over 5,000 peace and communal harmony at Jalukbari Eidgah Maidan in the city as well. Eid-ul-Zuha prayer was also offered at Burha Jame Maszid and other mosques of Guwahati and on the outskirts.

Eid prayers were also offered in western Assam districts which witnessed bloody ethnic clashes a few months ago. Riot-hit displaced Muslims celebrated Eid in relief camps, where they are awaiting rehabilitation.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi also offered Eid-ul-Zuha prayer at Rajdhani Masjid near the state capital here. Gogoi said love and brotherhood is the main essence of all religions. "Eid-ul-Zuha evokes the feeling of love, compassion and understanding. Let us reaffirm our resolve to further strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, unity and peace," said Gogoi. The chief minister appealed to people to endorse the longstanding tradition of amity, brotherhood and communal harmony in society.

Disaster management training for Guwahati residents

In a bid to harness the strengths and capabilities of people who can respond during an emergency, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will train people in Guwahati Emergency Management Exercise (GEMEx) from Monday.

GEMEx is the third massive emergency management exercise of the highest level in the country after Mumbai and Chennai. The northeast is earthquake prone for being located in Seismic Zone V.

"The kind of training that will be imparted to the participants is for the first time in the north east. As many as 19 international faculties will train the participants during GEMEx. On November 3, a mock drill will be held at the Assam Engineering Institute Playground, where disaster preparedness of all government employees will be tested," said Dhruba Jyoti Das, the CEO of Kamrup (Metro) district disaster management authority.

The emergency management exercise will be conducted in various parts of the city by NDMA experts, in collaboration with the district disaster management authority, Kamrup (Metro) and Assam State Disaster Management Authority.

Erosion victims Majuli turn to Almighty after Govt's apathy

It is not in the power of modern science and technology to fight nature's wrath. At least the residents of Majuli think so, for these victims of erosion have decided to go for the last resort, the Almighty.

Over two thousand people from 23 erosion-affected villages along the Brahmaputra offered prayers to the river on Saturday in order to appease god. They were joined by vaishnavites from three ashrams situated in Majuli. Despite spending crores of rupees on anti-erosion schemes, the government has failed to bring the situation under control.

"We have no other alternative than to offer prayer to the Almighty to save ourselves. The river is washing away the villages one after another and gobbling up hundreds of hectares of culpable land belonging to the farmers here. Government projects bore no fruit. So we decided to come together to offer prayer to the river seeking her kindness to save us," said a villager, who was present at the programme held at Bhogpur Puhardia area.

National Register of Citizens will be linked to AADHAR cards of Assam

Unlike other parts of the country, AADHAR cards for residents of Assam will be linked to National Register of Citizens, which is the data base of citizens, as the state is facing the problem of illegal migrants. The AADHAR number is proof of residence only and not citizenship.

"The AADHAR enrolment exercise here would be government-driven. It is going to be different than other states," a source said.

The unique identification project is an initiative of the Planning Commission to provide identification for each resident across the country. This brand name of this 16-digit number of the unique identification number (UID) is Aadhaar. The objective is to issue every resident a UID linked to the resident's demographic and biometric information, which they can use to identify themselves anywhere in the country and to access a host of benefits and services.

Assam's woman MP likely to get berth

With the Union ministry set for a reshuffle on Sunday, there is a likelihood of lone woman Congress MP from the state, Rani Narah, getting a berth in the council of ministers. The hopes of Congress got a boost after Narah was summoned by the party high command to New Delhi on Saturday.

"We believe Narah will find a berth in the new council of ministry," a source said. Narah is an MP from Lakhimpur constituency. The Union council of ministers, at present, has two faces from the state - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who represents the state in the Rajya Sabha and minister of state with independent charge for development of northeastern region and parliamentary affairs Paban Singh Ghatowar.

Narah's inclusion would also raise the number of representatives from the NE region in the Union council of ministers from three to four after the resignation of water resources and minority affairs minister Vincent H Pala. The other one is minister of state for rural development Agatha Sangma.

Hotel Rains Inn - One of the first eco friendly hotel in Guwahati

Hotel Rains Inn - One of the first Eco friendly hotel in Guwahati

Rains Inn is situated in the heart of Guwahati at Paltan Bazar. Rains Inn provides an elevated standard of style, contemporary design and décor. The state – of –the art technology, eco friendly material & amenities for commerce, leisure & relaxation makes our hotel in Guwahati an ideal choice for patrons, guests & travelers, whether on business, leisure or holidaying.

We are committed towards the

environment. Our hotel is designed and constructed with energy conservation techniques. Water conservation is very important in our hotel. We have installed ETP plant in our hotel, that recycles the waste water & recycled water is used for flushing, fire fighting & for watering plants.

Assam governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik greet people on Eid-ul-Zuha

 

Governor Janaki Ballabh Patnaik has extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha on Friday.

Highlighting the importance of free observance of all religious festivals with the spirit of joy and brotherhood, and maintaining the right balance between piety and gaiety, Patnaik appealed all citizens to uphold the longstanding tradition of amity and communal harmony.

Meet for power supply to Bongaigaon grid

With successful generation of power from northeast's biggest gas-based thermal project of Palatana in south Tripura, officials from the Union power ministry met NE power department officials on Friday to make immediate arrangements to transmit power to Bongaigoan national grid.

The non-availability of power evacuation line beyond Silchar has created an obstacle in the commercial run of the first unit (363-MW capacity) of the project.

Officials of ONGC-Tripura Power Company Limited (OTPC) here said Palatana had produced 42 MW of power on October 22, and in two days, its power generation capacity reached to about 72 MW during test run. Very soon, the first unit of the project would be able to generate about 363 MW of power.

"Due to non-availability of power evacuation system up to Bongaigoan, the Palatana project can't produce power as per its capacity. After 120 MW, we have to put a cap on production, as the northeast load dispatch centre is yet to get the transmission nod," a top OTPC official said.

Tarun Gogoi & Okram Ibobi Singh to oppose Naga integration demand

 

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi said he and his Manipur counterpart, Okram Ibobi Singh, will jointly oppose any move by the Centre to accede to NSCN (IM)'s demand for territorial integration of Naga- inhabited areas of Assam and Manipur with Nagaland. The duo had earlier blocked such a move during the NDA government's tenure.

The NSCN (IM) wants to carve out a greater Nagaland by including all Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur, Assam and Arunchal Pradesh to the present state of Nagaland. "I welcome a solution with NSCN (IM) but without territorial integration of Naga-inhabited areas of Assam or other states," Gogoi said here on Friday. He added that the Centre didn't hold any consultation with the state government in this regard.

Center okays floodlight project along the Indo-Bangladesh border

 

The Union home ministry has issued the much-awaited administrative approval to Cachar-Mizoram Frontier Force of the BSF to erect floodlights along the 138km-long Indo-Bangladesh border in Cachar and Karimganj districts in south Assam, in a bid to improve security.

A senior BSF official today said the Centre has sanctioned Rs 41.92 crore to set up the floodlights along the international boundary by the end of next year to check illegal migration.

He said an electrical firm in New Delhi had been assigned the task to install the floodlights.

National Investigation Agency is to recruit forensic experts for its Guwahati branch

 

The National Investigation Agency is planning to recruit forensic experts for its Guwahati branch to conduct scientific and expeditious investigation into cases.

“The NIA has started scouting for forensic experts for its branch office in Guwahati which covers the northeastern states,” an official source told The Telegraph today.

The source said the anti-terror probe agency intends to engage forensic experts on a contractual basis and they have approached some retired officials of the state forensic science laboratory at Kahilipara.

Panel for study of unemployment problem in Assam

Assam government would soon set up a commission to study the issue of unemployment in the state and suggest remedies to eradicate the problem, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said here Friday.

"The commission will consist of experts and besides studying the problem of unemployment in Assam, it will also suggest ways to solve the problem. The commission's report will be out by Bohag Bihu (mid-April, 2013)," Gogoi told reporters.
 

In addition, the commission will also look at the steps taken by the government during the past decade to deal with unemployment and success and failure of various schemes in this regard.

"Besides the issue of unemployment, the commission would also be entrusted with studying details regarding the income generation of farmers and other sections of the society.

"It will provide district wise data on all these factors and is expected to find out what kind of effect unemployment had on Assam's economy and society," Gogoi said.

He said the report would also help expert groups and research firms in their activities.

The Chief Minister also blamed "poor work culture" in the state as a major reason for Assam's relative backwardness vis-a-vis other states.

"The work culture in poor in Assam. We all have to change our attitude and adopt a positive work culture if we want to bring further development," Gogoi said.

Curfew relaxed in Assam's Dhubri town

Curfew imposed in Assam's Dhubri town following clashes was on Friday relaxed for seven hours with authorities describing the situation as being under control.

With no fresh incident being reported following violence on Wednesday and in view of Eid-ul-Zoha tomorrow, the Dhubri district administration relaxed the prohibitory order from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Shops, markets, offices and banks remained open during the curfew relaxation period. However, educational institutions were closed because of Durga Puja vacation.

In view of tomorrow's festival, security measures have been augmented in vulnerable areas, official sources said.

Curfew was imposed in the district headquarters after three persons were injured in clashes between two groups in IG road area in this town.

The incident took place when a group of people were returning after immersing idols of Goddess Durga in the Brahmaputra, the sources said. The situation had turned tense after the stabbing of a Durga Puja pandal decorator by unidentified persons on Tuesday night in IG Road area.

Arrested Rhino poacher confesses to militants' involvement

Since June floods devastated Assam, animals trying to escape the rising waters in Kaziranga National Park have fallen prey to hunters, poachers and speeding vehicles. More than 700 animals have died since then and more carcasses are being revealed as the waters go down.

But there's another threat, particularly to rhinos, that won't recede with the water. It is from the armed militant separatist outfits in the area.

The biggest clue to this came after the arrest of one Lindok Rongpi yesterday, who confessed before a magistrate that he poached six rhinos under the instructions of Songja Timung, self-styled defence secretary of Kuki National Liberation Front, one of the armed outfits from Karbianglong in Assam, now in a ceasefire agreement.


His arrest led the police to Dimapur in Nagaland, the hub of animal-parts trade, only to find that the main buyer, a Chinese named Ho-Chin had fled.

The money militants make by poaching rhinos, they use it to buy arms. Post-mortem of the animals reveal the use of automatic guns which further provides evidence of the involvement of militants, considering professional poachers use .303 rifles, rather than spraying bullets.

Ghats cleaner this year after Durga immersion

The Durga immersion ceremony, which marks the end of the festival, saw a wide participation of people from different walks of life. Denizens of Guwahati paid a tearful adieu to the goddess on Wednesday.

Though majority of the puja committees of Guwahati and Kamrup (metro) district immersed the Durga idols at Kachamari ghat and Pandu ghat in the city, many preferred to immerse the idols in the Sunsali, Chandrapur, Basistha and Sonapur areas.

Significantly Kachamari and Pandu ghats were not left as dirty as last year after the immersion. "We are happy that the puja committees have cooperated with the district administration to keep the environment clean. The river ghats, where Durga idols have been immersed in Kamrup (metro) district this year, are much cleaner than last year," said Mrinal Gogoi, additional deputy commissioner of Kamrup (metro).

He expressed satisfaction that no untoward incident occurred during the immersion ceremony in the district on Wednesday and Thursday.

As many as 282 idols of Durga were immersed at Kachamari ghat of the Brahmaputra in Fancy Bazar here while 49 idols were immersed at Pandu Ghat in the western part of the city.

Jahnu Baruah’s film premiere after 9 years

After a hiatus of 9 years, internationally acclaimed director Jahnu Baruah's Assamese venture "Baandhon" was premiered here in GUwahati on Thursday. The film has been selected by Indian Panorama feature film jury as the opening movie of the 43rd International Film Festival of India in Goa slated from November 20 to 30.

The film, which has been produced by Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation Limited, stars noted Assamese actor Bishnu Khargoria in the lead role. It also features popular actors Jatin Bora, Zerifa Wahed and Molloya Goswami. Baruah has directed an Assamese film after a hiatus of nine years.

Due to lack of enthusiasm and avenues to make Assamese films here, Jahnu Baruah had decided not to direct any Assamese film in the near future. It was after much request by the state film corporation that the director agreed to do so.

"The film will get the kind of support from the film goers that the Assamese film industry is looking forward to," said Baruah.

Bodo people's committee opposes Govt's rehabilitation ‘policy’

The Coordination Committee, Bodo National Organizations (CCBNO) on Thursday burnt down the formats prepared by the state government for rehabilitation of displaced landless people in the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD).

The committee demanded that new formats be prepared for rehabilitation of these landless camp inmates who are sheltering at various relief camps after the ethnic violence riots in Kokrajhar.

The CCBNO on Thursday staged a sit-in demonstration in front of the district commissioner's office from 11am to 1pm, opposing the rehabilitation of suspected Bangladeshis who don't possess any land in Bodoland. The president of the Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) and chairman of the CCBNO, Kameswar Brahma, warned that the state government would be the solely responsible for any recurrence of violence in the BTAD.

Earlier, hundreds of activists from 20 organizations under the banner of the CCBNO participated in the dharna in front of the DC's office to oppose the state government's alleged policy of rehabilitating illegal immigrants without proper scrutiny of their valid land and other documents.

The Gauhati High Court (HC) restrained BCCI from 'taking a final decision' on IPL tender

The Gauhati High Court (HC) today restrained the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from “taking a final decision” on the tender floated on October 14 for selection of new teams for 2013 IPL tourney.

A single judge of the high court, B D Agarwal also sought a response of the Centre, BCCI and the Assam Cricket Association on a PIL filed by Ghisa Lal Agarwal, editor of a vernacular daily challenging non-inclusion of any team from Guwahati in the 12 teams short-listed for participating in the bids.

However, the court said BCCI may go ahead with the process for selection of teams which would be subject to it final orders.

The petitioner had submitted that Guwahati, despite being the gateway of north eastern states with better infrastructure and facilities, has not been included in the auction process for IPL teams.

It was submitted that exclusion of Guwahati from the new teams is an act of discrimination by BCCI which is recognised by the government of India as it is undertaking public duties and functions in the matter of cricket game.

The court, after holding that there was a prima facie case for entertaining the PIL, issued notices to the respondents for their replies by November 11.

Govt fixes maximum fare for passenger vehicles

The Government of Assam has issued directions to the State Transport Authority, Assam and the Regional Transport Authorities of Assam on fixing of maximum fare realizable for different categories of vehicles. The rates are inclusive of all taxes, an official press release said.

As per the schedule, the Government of Assam has fixed not exceeding Rs 0.79 per passenger per km for ordinary stage carriage; not exceeding Rs 0.86 per passenger per km for long distance Stage carriage, Express buses with limited stoppages; not exceeding Rs 1.06 per passenger per km for long distance Stage carriage, Delux Super Express, All Assam Tourist Omnibus, All India Omni bus (Night Service); not exceeding Rs 1.23 per passenger per km for Executive Class (A/C); not exceeding Rs 1.32 per passenger per km for Hill Areas; not exceeding Rs 0.75 per passenger per km for All Assam Omni tourist vehicles (TATA 407) Mini Bus; not exceeding Rs 0.75 per passenger per km for ordinary contract carriage bus and sub-urban buses.

On the other hand, for petrol operated tourist taxi and local taxi the rate is not exceeding Rs 30.00 for the first km and Rs 16.25 for every subsequent km; for diesel operated tourist taxi and local taxi the rate is not exceeding Rs 22.50 for the first km and Rs 10.00 for every subsequent km; for Tata Sumo Taxi/cab the rate is not exceeding Rs 1.50 per passenger per km and for Vikram Diesel three-wheeler etc with 7 passenger seating capacity the rate is not exceeding Rs 7.50 per passenger per first 3 km and Rs 2.50 for every additional km.

First annual shraddha of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

The first annual shraddha of singer Dr. Hazarika was observed today. It was performed at Ashwaklanta temple in North Guwahati with full Vedic rituals by his family members including his wife Priyambada Hazarika and son Tez Hazarika.

Various cultural organizations and members from the general public also joined the occasion, which was also observed at the singer’s Nizarapar residence.

Representatives from Dr Bhupen Hazarika Literary and Cultural Forum, Deepak Sangha, and Akhat Athaba Silpa were among those who attended the shraddha ceremony at Ashwaklanta temple.