Meghalaya politicians have nexus with militants

Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer Prashant Naik today said nexus between politicians of the State and militants is “100 per cent true and a known fact,” but in the absence of evidence little can be done.

“It is 100 per cent true that there is a nexus between politicians and militants...it is a known fact, but where is the evidence,” he asked journalists when prodded on the issue.

The BJP has been constantly alleging that the Congress party has been using militants to further its poll objectives in Garo Hills. Other political parties have also made similar allegations.

In Garo Hills, especially the Garo National Liberation Army, the Achik National Volunteers’ Council and its breakaway faction has been active during this election and have been creating trouble in the area.

Nagaland Home Minister held with Rs 1.10 cr

In a major blow to ruling NPF-led DAN government, the Assam Rifles detained Nagaland Home Minister Imkong L Imchen for carrying Rs 1.10 crore and arms and ammunition besides liquor in a vehicle, at Longsa village under Wokha district this morning.

Basing on specific information, the Assam Rifles personnel frisked the vehicle of the Home Minister, who was going to his constituency in Mokokchung from Kohima at a mobile check post at Longsa village at around 6 am and found the cash, arms and ammunition and liquor, sources said

Two .303 rifles with 100 rounds of ammunition, five 7.65 mm pistol with 80 rounds of ammunition and a case of liquor were reportedly seized from the vehicle.

Call for chakka bandh on Feb 20, 21

The Assam State committee of the All India Road Transport Workers’ Federation have called a chakka bandh in the State on February 20 and 21 and has extended its full support to the general strike called by the joint forum of the government recognised Central trade unions of the country against the anti-people policies adopted by the Government of India.

“The Union government has adopted a completely lackadaisical attitude towards the demands of the workers and employees of the country. Despite the repeated attempts of the trade unions, the government has not even sat for a talk on various issues related the workers and employees of the country,” general secretary of the federation Biren Sarma said

Similarly, the road transport workers are also facing various problems related to their health, and education of their children among others, but government has not taken any step to redress their grievances, he said.

“In Assam and North East also most of the road transport workers are deprived of their dues. Such workers render their valuable service to the people of this region facing threat to their lives, harassment, terrorism and various types of corrupt practices. Social security to such workers and their families is a must today,” said Sarma.

Assam Youth Fest for NE from today

The Directorate of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam is organising “Assam Youth Festival for North East 2013” from February 19 to 21 at Sarusajai Sports Complex here.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will grace the opening ceremony on February 19. Minister for State (Independent) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Jitendra Singh and Minister of State (Independent) Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam, Ajit Singh will grace the occasion.

The inaugural session and the formal flagging off of the festival will be followed by a cultural function.

On February 20, the programmes include competitive events, youth convention and Suvichar by National Service Scheme (NSS). A personality development programme and interactive session will be organised by “Art of Living” and SPICMACAY. The evening is set apart for rock band competition.

Call to promote ideals of Srimanta Sankaradeva

The Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva has called for promotion of the ideals of the Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankaradeva to safeguard the State from all inter ethnic conflicts. Expressing concern over the increasing incidence of ethnic conflicts in the State, the society said that the saint is a unifying factor for Assam and his ideology can build the bridge of amity and unity amongst all communities in the State.

The society has also demanded incorporation of life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva in the curriculum at both national and state

level. Dr Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, the president of the Society for Srimanta Sankaradeva said that life and works of Srimanta Sankaradeva have not been put in curriculum by NCERT properly in spite of repeated appeals for that.