During the talks between Zia and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here Tuesday, India is likely to seek Dhaka's cooperation in ending terrorism emanating from Bangladesh and illegal immigration. India is expected to put pressure on the Bangladesh government to crack down on militants and radical Islamist groups that pose a danger to India.

Sources here said that the Centre has compiled a list of 56 known individuals with links to North East insurgent groups and those linked to the terror attacks in Ayodhya and Varanasi. The government is expected to bring this matter before Mrs Zia. Also on the agenda for the visiting Bangladeshi Prime Minister will be other issues of bilateral importance.

Among these are talks to begin a bus service between Sylhet and Shillong, direct flights between Dhaka and Guwahati and a visa office in Guwahati. "During my visit, I look forward to very candid and constructive discussions with our friends in India," she said in a statement issued on her arrival here on her first visit as Prime Minister.

"I hope that as a result of our discussions it would be possible for us to create conditions for perceptible improvement in the content of our cooperative relations," said Zia who was warmly received by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed and Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran at Palam Airport.

Ahead of her arrival, Finance Minister P Chidambaram indicated India's readiness to allow easy access to Bangladeshi goods here, a persistent demand of Dhaka which has been seeking removal of tax barriers for this purpose.

Noting that India was a bigger economy, he said "we must be able to absorb their (neighbouring countries) exports. What is the point in calling ourselves a regional economic power if we can't help our neighbours"?

"Bangladesh remains poor...What will happen is more people from Bangladesh will migrate to India. And that is what is happening," Chidambaram said. (Agencies)

The Lok Sabha unanimously adopted a motion moved by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee saying the period of absence of the four MPs from Parliament from Dec 20, 2005, when the scam surfaced, till March 22, 2006 would be deemed to be their suspension. A seven-member panel headed by Congress MP Kishore Chandra Singh Deo recommended the punishment. (IANS)

New Delhi: Claiming to have "highly incriminating" evidence, the Opposition NDA on Monday mounted a fresh offensive against the UPA Government on the Rs 18,798 crore Scorpene submarine "scam" demanding immediate termination of the contract and institution of an Inquiry Commission into it.

The BJP-led alliance, which said it had conducted its own study and investigation into the major weapons contract, alleged that the four per cent Commission on the contract amount, estimated between Rs 500-700 crores made it "by far the biggest defence scandal so far, one that is far bigger than Bofors".

At a joint press conference here backed by a power point presentation and flanked by former Defence Ministers George Fernandes and Jaswant Singh, Leader of Opposition L K Advani demanded immediate detention of the alleged middlemen - Abhishek Verma and his associates - besides action against foreigners involved in the 'Naval War Room Leak'.

Advani said though a newsweekly, which carried a series on the deal had alleged that Verma was working as a middle man for the Congress party, "there was neither any refutation from the party nor did it take the magazine to the courts". Making public several "eloquent" e-mails between Verma and his "foreign contacts including Jean-Paul Perrier, CEO of Thales, the French supplier of Scorpene, the NDA leaders demanded institution of a credible Commission of Inquiry involving appropriate investigative agencies, to pinpoint political responsibility and wrongdoing by others".

Questioning the UPA's "questionable haste" in concluding the contract, the NDA leaders said Finance Minister P Chidambaram had written to Defence Minister Pranab Mukhrjee on May 13, 2005 expressing concern about the cost of the deal.

Advani recalled that when approached by Thales during its tenure, the NDA Government had refused to clear the deal as the supplier was "blacklisted even by the World Bank" and "valid objections" were raised against it by the Central Vigilance Commissioner and Defence Ministry's own Chief Vigilance Officer.

Jaswant Singh said when the NDA was in power, a reform of the entire contract system was introduced wherein if an agent or middle man is found out even after entering into the agreement, it was liable to be terminated with a fine on the supplier and return of money with specified interest.

Govt rules out probe: Government on Monday ruled out a probe into the Rs 13,500 crore deal for purchase of six French scorpene submarines as demanded by the Opposition, with the Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee saying there was nothing new in the allegations. "On scorpene deal, there is nothing to investigate," the Minister said on the sidelines of a defence function here. (PTI)

"The question under consideration is strict procedure to be followed for interception of telephone and further guidelines or changes in the law (Indian Telegraph Act, 1885) with respect to changed scenario of technology.

"And the second question is whether illegal interception, if any, by telecom companies or their officials with or without following the procedure and step taken to prevent such practice," a Bench comprising Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, Justice A R Lakshmana and Justice C K Thakker said. The Bench asked the telecom companies to file within three weeks affidavit addressing these issues while taking into consideration the suggestions put forward by the Centre.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh seeking framing of guidelines to check illegal tapping of telephones. Singh's counsel Praveen Parekh submitted that the issue of telephone tapping should be looked into at all India level.

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the Finance Bill 2006 with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram announcing a few concessions including relief to heart patients, as also a minor cut in excise and customs duties for beetle nut, manually operated rubber rollers and polyester chips.

For heart patients, Chidambaram has sought to bring cheer by exempting from the import duty coronary stents, used for treatment of coronary artery blockages. With the lower house of parliament having passed the budget proposals for Fiscal 2006-07 beginning April 1, the finance bill will now be discussed in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Among changes on the customs’ side, the government cut the import duty on carbon black feedstock, used mainly for manufacture of tyres and ink products, and polyester chips, to 10 percent from 12.5 percent. While no excise will be levied on packaged supari or betelnut costing less than 50 paise, Chidambaram has retained the excise exemption on the production of candles and bricks which was earlier proposed to be withdrawn.

Similarly, manually operated rubber rollers and copra mills used for production of coconut oil have been exempted from excise levy, which is expected to prove a boon for their producers in states like Kerala. The finance minister favoured removal of all tax exemptions to industries over a period of time stating both "tax laws and exemptions cannot be permanent".

The Government has also allowed profitable co-operative banks to open more branches to take on competition from foreign, private and state-owned commercial banks. (IANS)

In a related development, Justice R S Pathak Inquiry Authority, looking into UN Volcker Committee report on the scam, has issued notices to Natwar Singh and 17 others in connection with the probe. The notices were issued by Justice Pathak before he left for Melbourne on March 14, sources said. (PTI)

New Delhi: Union ministers Arjun Singh, H R Bhardwaj, Sushilkumar Shinde, Praful Patel, senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj and former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi were 15 candidates on Monday elected unopposed in biennial polls to Rajya Sabha but the stage was set for a contest in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Karnataka on March 28 and 29.

Singh and Swaraj were among all the five candidates from Madhya Pradesh who were declared elected unopposed after the deadline for withdrawal of nominations expired today. Apart from Singh and Swaraj, three BJP nominees -- Vikram Verma, a former union minister, Anusuiya Uike and Narayan Singh Kesari--were also declared elected. Out of the five seats falling vacant, Congress had held three and BJP two.

Besides Shinde of Congress, Praful Patel (NCP) and Manohar Joshi of Shiv Sena, BJP leader Bal Apte, journalist-politician Rajeev Shukla (Cong) and NCP leader Vasant Chavan were among six returned unopposed in Maharashtra. Bhardwaj, who had contested from Madhya Pradesh the previous time, was elected from Haryana this time for the lone Rajya Sabha seat which fell vacant in the northern state. Rajasthan too saw unchallenged election to the upper house of Parliament when Congress first timer Abhishek Singhvi and BJOP's Ram Das Agarwal and K L Valmiki were declared winners.

In Karnataka, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K Rehman Khan of Congress and leading industrialist Rajeev Chandrasekhar, an independent backed by the state's ruling coalition partners JD(S) and BJP, are among six candidates left in fray for elections, resulting in a contest. In UP, none of the 13 candidates for the ten seats withdrew from contest. (PTI)

New Delhi: A week after lookout notices were issued against entrepreneur Bina Ramani and her fashion designer daughter Malini Ramani in the Jessica Lal murder case, the duo on Monday said they would cooperate in the investigations even as the police assured them protection.

"The meeting with the police commissioner was sought by us and we have offered our full cooperation in the investigations," Bina Ramani told reporters after meeting K K Paul.

"The Police Commissioner has offered us protection but we have decided not to take it now. We will ask for police protection when we want to," she said. "We are looking forward to the investigations and have offered full cooperation."

Bina Ramani claimed that there was a deliberate attempt to confuse the case and blamed the media for spreading misinformation. "It is clear that someone is deliberately trying to create confusion. We have never been questioned by the Delhi Police in the case and we have not received any notice as yet," she said.

Lal, a model, was shot dead in April 1999 in Tamarind Court, a posh south Delhi restaurant run by Bina Ramani. Objecting to the lookout notices, Bina Ramani said she, her husband and her daughter were only eyewitnesses in the case and not criminals.

"We three are the only eyewitnesses in the case and are available anytime to help the police," said Bina Ramani. She hoped that many more witnesses would come forward in the case.

The Delhi Police had had issued lookout notices March 14 against all the eyewitnesses in the case - Bina, her husband George Mailhot and Malini. The notices were sent to all international airports and seaports to ensure that the witnesses did not leave India without police permission.

"India is our home and we have nothing to hide in this case. We have asked the police commissioner for a meeting," Bina told media persons before the meeting.

According to police, Manu Sharma, son of Haryana minister Vinod Sharma, allegedly shot and killed Lal after she refused to serve him a drink in the bar where she was filling in as a bartender. The bar that was functioning without a licence has since shut down. On Feb 21, a Delhi sessions court had acquitted all nine accused including Sharma as well as the witnesses in the case, all of whom had turned hostile. (IANS)

Anand: Verghese Kurien, father of India's modern dairy industry, on Monday quit as chairman of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation he helped build 33 years ago, alleging that vested interests were out to "capture" the dairy body. The octogenarian, known to Indians as the 'Milkman' for his role in popularising GCMMF's flagship brand Amul, pre-empted a move by the dairy federation's Board to oust him.

"I would like to inform you that I have today tendered my resignation as the member and chairman of the board of directors of GCMMF," Kurien, 84, told reporters here.

Staff and students of IRMA also attended the press meet. He said he was "anguished and pained" by a proposed move of the GCMMF board to pass a no-confidence motion against him. The member had "even gone to the Board of Nominees restraining me from carrying out my function as chairman."

The Board was scheduled to take up the no-confidence motion at its meeting on March 24. "Having served the co-operative dairy sector for over five decades with dedication and commitment, do I deserve this kind of treatment from the board members," he asked.

Kurien, who has continued as Chairman of GCMMF since its inception in 1973, came to Anand in 1948 and established a network of cooperatives in Gujarat, including world-class institutions like NDDB, NCDFI and IRMA. (PTI)

New Delhi: With a cotton beanie on his head and his feet in flip-flops, he walked up to the dais to receive the country's highest honour for performing arts from President A P J Abdul Kalam. Babubhai Giridhar Ranpura, 63, a folk music artiste from Gujarat, had made his theatrical debut at age nine with a local group at Mandal in Ahmedabad's district.

On Monday, the President honoured him with a Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contributions to Gujarat's folk music. A fierce simplicity of their appearance belied accomplishments and skills set out in their citations as 33 artistes, some with human crutches, took the awards to a rapturous applause at the Vigyan Bhavan here. Singer S C R Bhat, 87, touched Kalam's feet when the President presented him with an Akademi award for his skills in Hindustani vocal music.

Overwhelmed with the honour, Tamil Nadu's Subbu Arumugam, 78, burst into song, prompting Kalam to nudge him to move on. Most of the awardees received the honours in traditional wear, khadi kurtas and stoles, turbans and "Nehru topis".

Eight people each were presented with the Akademi awards, each carrying a cheque for Rs 50,000 and a shawl and a citation, under music, dance and theatre categories. Eight other artistes received the awards under a separate traditional, folk, tribal dance, music, theatre and puppetry header. Uttar Pradesh's Pratibha Agrawal, 76, received an Akademi award for her overall contribution to performing arts. (PTI)

The GSU protesting the recommendations of the select panel, called for a public rally on March 23 in Garo Hills. The Union in its meeting held at Hawakhana on Monday proposed mass rally on March 23 simultaneously in all the three districts of Garo Hills in protest against the Select Committee report on MBOSE.

GSU chief executive committee information and publicity secretary Joshua Sangma told The Shillong Times that the Union members would organise poster campaign and put up banners and raise slogans during the proposed rally to voice their protest against the recommendations of the select committee.

"We want status quo", he said.

Besides maintaining status quo, the GSU also demanded the state government to fill the vacant posts in the education board. The KSU, which lauded the Select panel for its recommendations, welcomed the proposal of the Committee to replace the Regional Office with the Shillong Office of MBOSE. It favoured passing of the MBOSE Bill in the current session.

KSU general secretary Hamlet Dohling said the rejection of the Select Committee report by the NCP was baseless since the two party MLAs - Mr Edmund K Sangma and Mr John Manner - abstained from all five committee meetings.

"If the NCP is concerned about the issue, why did the party rejected the inclusion its two MLAs as members of the Committee", Mr Dohling asked. He expressed his confidence that the government with the support of most of the legislators would be able to pass the MBOSE Bill during the current session.

NCP leader Edmund K Sangma on Saturday said that there were lot of discrepancies in the report, which made it "vague". As per the report, he said one Director would head the Shillong office, while the other Directors and officers posted in Tura office would function normally. "This is a clear indication that the Board will be functioning from two places", he said.

The Union also strongly opposed the government's move to upgrade Rajabala constituency into a sub-division, "as the area is only about four to five square kilometres". It proposed upgradation of Rongjeng, Kharkuta, Chokpot and other constituencies instead of Rajabala.

The GSU, reminding about a memorandum that was earlier submitted to the Chief Minister, demanded the creation of a northern administrative district with headquarters at Resubelpara like the proposed Khliehriat administrative district in Jaintia Hills. The student body wanted "immediate implementation of three tier identity card system to check influx with 1971 as cut off year".

The GSU also stated that it would "oppose non-tribal candidates contesting in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council elections as this would lead to large-scale influx since certain political parties were cashing in on non-tribal vote bank".

Mr Sangma said he and the Chief Minister took up the matter with the Union government for speedy disposal of the project. He said that the land required for the By-pass has already been acquired involving Rs 7.74 crore and handed over to the department concerned. 

SHILLONG: Cutting across party affiliations, the legislators who took part in the debate on Governor's address on Monday called for a proper road map for the development of the State. Moving the motion of amendment to the Governor's address, BJP leader AL Hek said that the government should include the whole of Garo Hills under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for over all improvement of people's life style. He deplored the government for not informing the House about the payment of ex-gratia to the victims of twin police firing in Garo Hills, and release of hospital bills to the injured.

The BJP leader also expressed concern over the traffic menace, which caused a lot of inconvenience to the public. "The assurance of the government that fly-overs will be constructed to avoid traffic snarls has become a distant dream", he said. Mr Hek urged the State government to make Baljek Airport and rail-head to Garo Hills functional.

In agriculture sector, Mr Hek suggested that the large-scale cultivation of Jatropha in the State would help improving the living condition of the people. Mr Draison Kharshiing of MDP pointed out that the Governor projected the vital issues concerning the development of the State. "Still there is need for improvement in the field of road connectivity and rural development", he said.

Highlighting that his constituency was left out in the government's proposal for construction of some new roads and bridges, Mr Kharshiing said there was an urgent need to have better transportation system. He also stressed the need for improved road connectivity between Shillong and distant places like Williamnagar, Amlarem-Dawki and Nartiang-Nongpoh. He flayed the State government for nor making fresh appointments in Primary Schools in his area since 1996. Mr Kharshiing wanted a permanent solution to boundary disputes with Assam.

Analysing the Governor's address, the Independent MLA from 21-Mawprem constituency, Mr Manas Chaudhuri said it was on predictable lines without any new connotations as sense of urgency was lacking in the address. The much-hyped National Rural Employment Guarantee Act should not be politicised as it is a welfare scheme, he suggested.

On the law and order front, Mr Chaudhuri said the State government should be pro-active in bringing the militant outfits to the negotiating table instead of being nonchalant. He said the response time of the police should be reduced to attend to the various needs of the public especially for tackling crime. He wanted the government to spell out the parameters of the proposed multi-purpose identity card system.

Pointing out that the problem of minorities, whether minority tribal or non-tribal communities, living in the State did not find place in the Governor's address, Mr Chaudhuri said adding that interests of all sections of people should be safeguarded. "We need to have a minority policy" so that mutual suspicion could end once for all.

Commenting on the proposed amendment to the Land Transfer Act, he wanted a dispassionate discussion on the issue of transfer of land from non-tribal to non-tribal who are permanent and eligible. The amendment Bill says even adopted son or daughter can get the transferred land, "but there is scope for manipulations", Mr Chaudhuri pointed out.

To tackle the wide gap between the rich and poor, he favoured the idea of introducing a State tax on wealthy people so that the amount derived from it could be spent for the poor. Mr Chaudhuri lamented that the State did not have even a 24-hour pharmacy to get medicines at odd hours and the poorer section is the worst sufferer. According to him, the youths should be motivated to donate blood as there are not many donors willing to donate blood. He also underscored the need for providing quality education in the State so that the students from the rural areas need not go outside to pursue higher studies.

Mr Chaudhuri however complemented the government for the peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year, besides making efforts to organise the festivals of Strawberry, Roses Anthurium and even the recent Fish Festival. Participating in the discussion, KHNAM leader Paul Lyngdoh said Meghalaya with 423 km of international border and 566 km of inter-state boundary, has to be cautious about large-scale immigration of foreign nationals to the State.

Giving details of the gravity of influx, Mr Lyngdoh urged the State government to issue multi-purpose identity cards, besides introducing a three-tier card system and work permit with a specific cut off year. Pointing out that there were only 89 police personnel to man the entire 989 km of State's boundary, Mr Lyngdoh said the strength of police personnel under the infiltration branch must be enhanced. In this context, he wanted Meghalaya to be exempted from the Indo-Nepal Friendship Treaty, 1950 as the State had to bear the brunt.

Quoting Pt Nehru, Mr Lyngdoh said the tribals in Meghalaya are microscopic minorities on ethnic, linguistic and religious grounds. He expressed concern over the fate of coal belts in Janita Hills where economic activities are going on at the cost of indigenous population. He stressed the need for maintaining transparency in the matters related to corporatisation of MeSEB and quick redress to the grievances of the people affected due to border fencing.

The KHNAM leader urged the Chief Minister to have an able team and not a stable government for the development of the State. He said there was a case for a review of the Land Transfer Act so far as the permanent non-tribals were concerned. He said a cut-off date should be fixed for identifying genuine non-tribals.

Highlighting the need for a vision plan for the development of the State, MDP legisator PT Sawkmie said the government should address the pending schemes like Shillong By pass, three per cent job reservation for the disabled, early construction of the new Assembly building, new Shillong township, IIM, NEIGRIHMS, besides solving the border problems both with Assam and Bangladesh.

Stating that Rs 3,587 crore has to be spent for corporatisation of MeSEB, Mr Sawkmie said the government should go deep into the matter before finalising it. Improvement of Shillong Civil Hospital, regulation of the prices of medicines and improvement of rural health care system were his other areas of concern.

HSPDP leader HS Lyngdoh said that the fencing of the border fencing should be on the zero line even as he asked the State government to address the problems faced by the people due to inter-state boundary dispute. Independent MLA Pynsai Manik Syiem observed that while the Chief Minister and his Ministers took initiative in clearing the projects, there was a tendency on part of the officers to keep the important schemes on hold. Mr Syiem expressed concern over growing traffic congestion in the city, declining power generation and poor financial position of the State. The debate on the Governor's addressed will be resumed on Wednesday.

SHILLONG: Home Minister HRD Lyngdoh on Monday assured the State Assembly that the killers of Mass Communication student Biplab Das would be charge sheeted soon for bringing them to justice. Replying to a call attention motion moved by Mr PT Sawkmie (MDP), the Home Minister said police investigation was on and a charge sheet was being prepared to prosecute the accused.

"Government would like to assure that no efforts will be spared to bring the guilty to book and to ensure that the punishment is meted out to the perpetrators of this heinous crime", Mr Lyngdoh said.

Earlier, in a call attention motion based on a The Shillong Times report, Mr Sawkmie said the legislators were very much concerned about the crime and exemplary punishments should be given to the culprits so that such crimes never recurred.

The Home Minister narrated the incident, saying that on February 19 at about 6 pm, telephonic information was received by Sadar Police Station that one Biplab Das, aged 21 years and a student of Mass Communication of St. Anthony's College, was missing from Police Bazar since February 18 evening. Simultaneously, Mr RK Purkayastha, Professor of St. Anthony's College, lodged a missing person report.During preliminary enquiry; it was found that the missing person might have been kidnapped. Accordingly, a case was registered.

Mr Lyngdoh said on February 19, Sadar police, acting on a tip-off, arrested one suspected person from Lumshyiap-Golf Links, Bernard Lyngdoh Phawa. During the interrogation, the accused confessed the crime, and also revealed the names of his accomplices - Bony Phawa and Md Akbar Qureshi - both from Khlieh Shnong Golf Links.

Later on February 21, Sadar police led by Bernard recovered the body of Biplab Das from Raid Pynthor graveyard. On February 22 at around 2 pm, Bony Phawa was arrested from near the Secretariat Parking lot and subsequently, on the same day, Md Qureshi was also nabbed.Police even recovered a coconut rope, which was used to strangulate Biplab Das, a mobile phone and an empty purse from Raid Pynthor graveyard.

Police also seized an Auto Rickshaw (ML -05 C-3873) from Polo Bazar, which was boarded by the accused from Polo along with the victim. During the course of investigation, the IO went to Guwahati and seized the telephone call register from the owner of a PCO at Rehabari, Guwahati belonging to one Bishwanath. It was from this PCO that Bony contacted the father of Biplab Das on February 19 on his mobile in Siliguri demanding Rs 80 lakh for the release of his son. Mr Lyngdoh said the Shillong CJM Court accepted the prayer of the Investigation Officer (IO) to add Sections 302/2001/120 (B) IPC to Section 364 (A) IPC on February 22.

Shillong: First Secretary (Commercial) Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, Shaikh Qamrul Hasan on Monday said that the first step to re-opening of border haats in the Indo-Bangladesh border can be initiated through a joint meeting between the Bangladesh Rifle (BDR) and Border Security Force (BSF) in order to come out with positive suggestions on this matter.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Hasan, who led the Bangladesh delegation for the 7th International Trade Fair, stated that these border haats were beneficial to the residents of both sides of the border, adding that there is no problem in starting a dialogue between the two Governments in order to re-start border haats.

Hasan said that it is important that the Governments of both countries sort out their differences in order to bring about economic development for the people in the border areas. Hasan hoped that the three-day visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to India and subsequent talks with the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would ease these problems.

Meanwhile, Hasan said, "the main factor which has seriously affected the trade between the two nations is the non-tariff barrier." He said that India and Bangladesh should endeavour for zero tariff trade for the benefit of both nations. "India has not seriously pursue to seek the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status from Bangladesh," informed Mr Hasan.

The Counsellor (Commercial), Government of Thailand, Mr Tharadol Thonruang said that handicraft products of the region have a good potential for exporting to other foreign countries, adding that other items may have to be improved, especially on the designs. Mr Thongruang said that he is eager to take local entrepreneurs from the region for participating in the exhibition held at Thailand.

The ADC has also requested the Rangbah Shnongs to ensure that passions are kept in check and that mischief mongers are not given an opportunity to mislead the public and create a law and order situation wherein precious and innocent lives are put at stake. In the event of such cases, the phone numbers below should be contacted - ADCI i/c 9436107676, SDC 953655230033, EAC 94361115478 or 953655230575, CI(E) 9436193498 and Khliehriat police - 953655239930.

Shillong: At least 356 villages, which were earlier officially declared as electrified under the Rural Electrification Programme, have to be re-electrified again as the villages are yet to get electricity. Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Power Dr Donkupar Roy admitted in the State Assembly that there are many de-electrified villages.

Replying to a question by Zenith Sangma (Cong), Dr Roy said that all villages are proposed to be electrified within five years. He said so far 3806 villages in the State have been covered under the programme and 1976 villages were yet to be covered. He said the money received for the last three consecutive years are 2003-2005 (Rs. 1921.55 lakh), 2004-2005 (Rs. 3828.13 lakh) and 2005-2006 (Rs 968.50 lakh).

Answering a supplementary by P M Syiem (Ind), Dr Roy said the State Government is taking steps to improve power supply by completing the Leshka power project and other pending projects.

Answering supplementary questions by H S Lyngdoh (HSPDP), Sing Mulieh (UDP), D P Iangjuh (MDP), A L Hek (BJP), E D Marak (Cong), P T Sawkmie (MDP) Manas Chaudhuri (Ind), Dr F A Khonglam (HSPDP) and Tonsing Marak (Cong), Dr Roy said that the Government was committed to electrifying the villages in right earnest.

Replying to a supplementary by Mr Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM), Dr Roy said that the Government was aware of the old transformers which are not functioning properly. There is a need to have an inquiry on the transformers and the Government will make efforts to replace the old transformers, Dr Roy said.

To another supplementary by Mr Manas Chaudhuri (Ind), the Power Minister said that while the Centre gives 90 per cent contribution, the State government's share is 10 per cent for the electrification of villages. He also said that the consumers in the rural areas have to pay the tariff as proposed by MeSEB.

Parliamentary Secretary in charge Forest, R L Tariang said that Rs. 763 lakh was received from the Government of India and Forest Development Agency for Joint Forest Management (JFM) in the State from the time of inception of the scheme till date.

Replying to a question by Zenith Sangma (Cong), Mr Tariang said that only one scheme - the National Afforestation Programme - is being implemented in the State through 73 Joint Forest Management Committees under the programme.

Joint Forest Management Committees have also been set up in West Garo Hills District, he said adding that Indekgre Joint Forest Management Committee in Garo Hills is covered under the scheme and no Scheme is implemented in Rongkhongre, Chisakgre and Molmegre Villages. To other supplementary questions by Mr Prestone Tynsong (Cong) and Sing Mulieh, Mr Tariang said that there were five JFMCs in Jaintia Hills, 9 in East Khasi Hills and 13 in West Khasi Hills.

Shillong: PHE Minister H D R Lyngdoh has admitted that the amount released by the Centre was not fully utilised for the total sanitation programme in West Garo Hills. Replying to a question by Zenith Sangma (Cong) Mr Lyngdoh said that no fund was allocated by the Centre for 2004, 2005, 2006 as the amount earlier released by the Centre was not fully utilised and the process of implementation was still on.

Answering supplementary questions by Tonsing Marak (Cong), A L Hek (BJP), D P Iangjuh (MDP), T D Shira (NCP) and P M Syiem (Ind), Mr Lyngdoh said that the physical progress of the scheme was only 15 per cent. The financial expenditure for the programme upto February 2006 was Rs 50.85 lakh. The total amount received so far under the scheme from 2003-2004 is Rs 115.17 lakh.

Answering another supplementary, Mr Lyngdoh said that as the sanitary programmes needed community participation, there was delay in implementation of the scheme. He said under the scheme, Rs 1000 each was given to the beneficiaries to construct latrines. The PHE Minister also informed that Rs 28.60 lakh was spent for awareness programmes among the people.

Meanwhile, Mr Dohling also expressed concern on frequent report of rape cases in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills, particularly in the State capital, and warned that the Union have decided to take stern action against any body who is found indulging in such a crime.

Meanwhile, the Additional District Magistrate incharge Khliehriat Civil Subdivision has issued an order under Section 144 Cr PC prohibiting digging or erection of any boundary wall or posts within a radius of 150 km of GAD land.

Shillong: President of the All Tribals Students' Union Manipur, Dr John Pulamte on Monday condemned the alleged rape of more than 21 Hmar women, including minors as young as 13, by Manipur valley based militants, the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and the Kangleipak Communist Party, at Tipaimukh Subdivision under Churachandpur district, which is dominated by Hmar tribe.

Addressing a press conference here, Dr Pulamte said that the counter insurgency operation, "Operation All Clear", conducted by the Indian Army in Manipur, has driven the Manipur based militants to Tipaimukh subdivision. Dr Pulamte said taking advantage of its remoteness and the absence of law and order and State governance in the subdivision, the militants unleashed a reign terror among the Hmar people.

Dr Pulamte informed that the Government of Manipur on March 18 has instituted a judicial inquiry on the above incident to be headed by a retired Judge. However, he said, "with due respect to the judicial system in the country, we are doubtful on the commission instituted by the Government".

He said that any official probe that is to be undertaken should have a direct involvement of the National Human Rights Commission and the National Commission for Women, adding that the said probe should be headquatered at Parbung sub-headquaters in Tipaimukh sub-division of Churachandpur district and not at Imphal as proposed by the Government.

"The cruel designs of the militants took the path of taxing the poor villages, forced labour as porters, torture and beatings, planting of landmines in the villages and fields," Dr Pulamte said adding that continuous reign of terror has not only resulted in the villages getting maimed and killed by landmines, gross displacement of thousand of Hmar villagers to different parts of Manipur, Mizoram and Assam."

It was a rail hold-up which would put to shame the Great Train Robbery. A hostage drama that had all the ingredients of a living nightmare. When a 15-minute train ride turned into the longest 10-hour journey for 100-odd passengers in Jharkhand. With hooded guerillas in black, firing guns, threatening and breaking the silence of the night. There were no leads and no arrests. As if the attack was a mere figment of imagination. No, it was the harsh reality of a "Red Brigade" that held the State to ransom.

Clearly, the audacious "Operation Rail Hostage" conducted with clinical precision by the Maoists has exposed once again the grievous failure and inadequacies of the Jharkhand Government and the Centre in tackling the Naxal menace. Worse, if the Jehanabad "Operation Jailbreak" last year was to free their comrades, the Naxalite train-blockade at Latehar was a post-it to the authorities. The message is loud and clear: We can strike anywhere, any time, when we want.

Forget Kashmir or the North-East. Those seem minor compared to the Naxalite threat. Turn North, South, East or West, the blood-curling story is the same. The "Red Brigade" has spread its tentacles almost throughout the length and breadth of the country. 13 November: Jehanabad, Bihar, 3 December: Dantewad, Chattisgarh, 25 December: Koneru, Andhra Pradesh, 6 February: Arra, Bihar, 28 February: Darmagura, Chattisgarh, 6 March: Basaguda, Chattisgarh, 15 March: Kalinganagar, Orissa.

At the last count, they had spread their net across 13 States encompassing 157 districts and were targeting another 25 districts. "Special Gorilla Zones" are now earmarked all over the country. Moreover, they are running a state within a state with a parallel revenue income. In Bihar, for instance, there is 20.9 per cent rise in Naxal activities and Jharkhand recorded 23.9 per cent rise in violence and 32.6 per cent rise in the killings since 2002. Asserted a senior intelligence officer: "We are in serious danger because of the rise of the Naxal movement in the last four five years… it has really developed into a danger point and if we fail to take note of the danger I am afraid the consequences would be fatal."

The tragedy of it all is that even after so many days, the Centre has still to act. React, it certainly has. The routine denouncement, stern warning issued and a review of its counter-strategy with the affected States, even as it continues to assess the damage (sic). The Home Secretary has called a meeting on 31 March to discuss improvement of intelligence gathering, sharing mechanism and redeployment of forces. Everything but apportioning the blame and taking action against the guilty.(sic) Especially against the backdrop that the special task force on Left-wing extremism set up by the Home Ministry had finalized the ground rules on joint-cross border operations on 26 October last.

What is unpardonable is that the entire exercise as always will end up being a washout. Meeting after meeting the story is the same. Accusations galore. It would be stating the obvious that this has dealt a bigger blow to the credibility of the powers-that-be and raised doubts on whether the Centre has a strategy and the will to tackle the problem. Think. If the Naxals can hold a train to ransom, cut rail links, or have road blocks it underscores the ill-preparedness of the State in even maintaining routine law and order. Wherein a demoralized police invariably barricades themselves in their thanas as they see every attack as a minefield to ‘lure’ them!

Predictably, all willy-nilly forget and ignore the fundamental failure: Total collapse of the State in 157 ‘Naxal-affected’ districts. Why haven’t the security forces been able to maintain law and order over such a large tract of the nation? Unless this question is squarely addressed there can be no constructive solution.

Take the deteriorating internal security environment. Even as the Union and Assam Governments play footsie with the Bodo ultras and the Naxalites, a blood-curling "Red Brigade" terrorist corridor now runs through the entire length of the country from Nepal’s Maoists to Sri Lanka’s LTTE, encompassing ULFA, Pakistan’s ISI and the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). Already, Nepal’s Maoists have shifted base to Assam and other north-eastern States. And spilled into the border districts of Bihar and UP.

The problem is complicated further by the fact that the porous India-Nepal border has become a hub of activities of the Pakistanis. What is more, the Maoists of Nepal and the CPI(Maoist) group have started networking to create a "compact revolutionary zone" from Nepal running through Bihar, UP, Uttaranchal, Jharkhand, MP, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Orrisa and Andhra Pradesh.

There are apprehensions they may catalyze further destabilization in the region by pumping arms into the projected area of the 'Compact Revolutionary Zone' (CRZ). Drug trafficking and the circulation of fake currency through the border are already in evidence. The Andhra unit of the PWG has a direct link with procurers who bring in arms from Bangladesh-based agents via the riverine Sunderbans route and by taking advantage of the road and rail links between East Midnapore and Orissa to Adilabad in Andhra Pradesh.

There is no gainsaying that the Red brigade has capitalized on internal schisms that divide India’s highly inequitable social order through catchy slogans and beguiling rhetoric. Interestingly, the Union Home Ministry conceded a few years ago that this was one of the root causes of this menace. It also professed in a report that inequalities of economics would breed internal unrest and upset peace. Yet it let this socio-economic cancer fester in its backyard. With the result that today it has assumed gigantic proportions that threaten to devour the country in its tentacles.

According to data compiled by the Home Ministry there are over 9000 Maoists in the country. And if one goes by a study of the Institute for Conflict Management, some 40 Naxalite groups are active in India, of which the CPI (Maoists) constitute the most formidable security challenge. Not only that. A cursory glance at the trajectory of Naxalite movement demonstrates the increasing sophistication of their arsenal.

From traditional weapons like lathis, spears, sickles and other sharp-edge weapons and single and double barrel guns, mostly stolen from village landlords and the police arsenal, today the groups have AK rifles, landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), machine guns et al. Groups like the CPI (Maoists) also have dedicated underground arms production units. There are over 1,500 illegal arms manufacturing units in Bihar, mostly located in the Nalanda, Nawada, Gaya and Munger districts.

Sadly, criminalisation of politics, ill-equipped police force and the existence of a collusive network between criminals, extremists and a section of the polity have all contributed to the massive growth of Naxals illegal gun industry. Add to this the nexus between the Administration and Naxalite groups continues to flourish. It is reliably learnt that in November last, the Punjab Police exposed links between licensed gun dealers in the State and Haryana and the CPI (Maoist) operating in Bihar.

Typically, New Delhi continues to betray a grave lack of comprehension, vision and long-term planning. It is happy fire-fighting without any overall plan to deal with the threat. Myopic in its introspection, the Centre seldom, if ever, looks ahead and acts. Surprisingly, all it has done till date is to set up a Standing Committee on Naxalism comprising eight Chief Ministers. The Committee, on its part, announced a dual track approach --- setting up of two or three joint task forces (JFTs) and giving impetus to developmental works.

The Government would have to fight this threat simultaneously on many fronts with an integrated all-India approach. It may even have to launch a series of major offensives to drive home the message to the Naxalites. One way for it is to expose the lacunae in the Naxal’s ideological framework and simultaneously launch a political offensive with a humanistic vision. Two, tackle the distortions in the social system on a war footing, take measures to alleviate poverty, ensure speedy development and enforce law and order strictly. Three, take up land reforms with a fresh revolutionary zeal. There is need for continuous monitoring of the arms profile of various Naxal groups, the identification of sources and networks, coordinated intelligence gathering, and a well-equipped police force in the Naxalite-affected areas, if this grave security threat is to be contained and neutraliz

Clearly, the Centre needs to hammer out a well-thought-out strategy to cry a halt to Naxalism. Is the Government capable of defusing this powder keg? Is New Delhi willing to acknowledge that the situation is its biggest-ever security challenge? Bigger than Kashmir or even the North-East. Merely mouthing assurances of being pro-active will no longer do. It has to think beyond the headlines and do some honest soul searching.

The Naxalites cannot be allowed to be a law unto themselves and challenge the legitimacy of an elected Government. In a democracy, there is no place for guns or bombs. But at the same time, the basic needs of the people cannot be ignored. Poor and insensitive governance is certain to lead to anarchy. New Delhi alone has to carry the cross. No country with any sense of self-respect allows insurgents and their protectors to play ducks and drakes with national unity and security. Or else India will turn into the Naxalites’ Rang Bhommi!------ INFA

Sir,

At long last, the Transport Department of Meghalaya has realized the consequences of overloading the coal laden trucks ferrying coal from Jaintia Hills to Assam thereby loosing crores of revenue but the government had not yet realized where the revenue is going from all trucks that are carrying coal from Garo Hills to Assam and Bangladesh which are also loading much more than 15 tons. Hundreds and thousands of different types of trucks (so called Punjab/Rajasthan or West Bengal body built) are transporting our State's mineral deposits outside and generating revenue for the state. But what quantity of coal or any other minerals are being sold /extracted in a year and how much total annual revenue is being collected, have not been determined by the state so far. Furthermore, the State Government has not assessed what amount of fund is being spent for the construction and maintenance of roads for the convenience of the general public.

Is the State Government simply considering our PWD roads for earning more revenue? As for all right thinking citizens and me too, having proper road connectivity and good and smooth motorable roads is a must for safety. Anyway, the Government has taken a bold decision now that any truck found violating the load capacity will be fined and expected to earn more revenue of over Rs.100 crore in a year.

Surely, much more tax and fines can be levied on the trucks plying on the N.H. as well as State PWD roads at present, as almost all the trucks are carrying more than 25 to 30 tons of loads, thus spoiling the roads so quickly. 10 times or more of the expected revenue can be collected, provided the Officers and the staff of all concerned Departments perform their duties sincerely and diligently as per the law. This restriction or the enforcement of law should invariably be extended to Garo Hills also as the conditions of roads and bridges are worse than the other districts of the State.

We hope that the law enforcing agencies, viz. Taxation, Excise, Transport, Mining and Geology and the Police Departments with the strong support of District Administration carefully check and keep a watch on every truck passing through all Government / non-Government Check Gates/Weigh bridges and strictly slap a fine to whosoever violates the rules as stated by the Transport Minister.

But, the best thing would be that the State Government considers dismantling all those existing and non-performing gates and weighbridges all over the State but instead, like in other countries, install video cameras to capture and detect all the violators. Such devices are easily available in this computer age and they are purposefully used for deterrence of crime and help control over the misuse of power by the unscrupulous people in position.

Yours etc.,
Kulert. C. Momin
Tura

The state Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president formed the anti-Congress AUDF engineering merger of over a dozen minority political groups in the state last September in reaction to scrapping of the IMDT Act by the Supreme Court.

Mr Ajmal is now contesting for the AUDF from Jamunamukh LAC in Nagaon district. The scion of Ajmal Group of Enterprises which runs a multi-crore international trade in herbal perfume called 'aatar' in local parlance, has declared before the EC that the value of the property owned by himself and wife Ms Rizwana touches Rs 30 crore. No wonder, he is arguably the richest man in the state.

The perfume business of Ajmal Group based in Hojai and having registered corporate office at Mumbai has presence from Middle East to Hong Kong. In the Muslim world where alcohol-based perfumes are forbidden item, the Ajmal group's herbal scents have gained immense popularity. The herbal perfume is manufactured at Hojai in Central Assam with oil extracted from a particular variety of tree grown in this part of the country.

A resident of Tanki village in Hojai sub-division of Nagaon district, the 48-year-old Mr Ajmal declared that the property in his name was worth Rs 15,10,08,350. The cash in his hand accounts for Rs 5,40,000, money in bank accounts for Rs 8,38,712, post office savings and insurance worth Rs 5,68,650 and other savings of Rs 15,30,200. The prices of the cars in his name put at to Rs 22,38,560 while the value of the 262 grams of jewelry he uses is Rs 1,61,916.

The 50-year-old former students leader who was at the forefront of anti-foreigners Assam Agitation during 1979-85, became the Home Minister of Assam in 1985 when the first AGP government came to power under the leadership of chief minister Mr Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. Mr Phukon is survived by his wife and a daughter.

ULFA Chairman Aurobindo Rajkhowa, in an e-mail on Sunday night, said the Centre was insincere to resolve their problems. The e-mail statement said, ''every political party loves using the ULFA tag. The Congress is also taking our name.''

Mr Singh, however, said, '' The main agenda in the election is development and our government had faired well in the past five years.'' ''Talk about GDP, agricultural productivity, infrastuctural development or overall law and order situation, the Congress Government has done well in every sphere and hence the people will vote us back to power,'' he said. (UNI)

During zero hours, Nagendra Jamatia (INPT) raised the issue in the House and was joined by Leader of Opposition Ratan Lal Nath. They alleged that the Rural Development Minister Jitendra Choudhury soon after the incident attempted to shield the accused persons claiming that no ‘rape’ was committed though the victim had given a statement before the magistrate under section 164 of the IPC.

The Opposition Congress and INPT legislators castigated the Left Front Government for its failure to arrest the culprits. Dhaniram´s wife Padmabati, who had contested the Village Committee elections as Congress candidate and was defeated, was also seriously injured when CPM supporters attacked them. Padmabati is battling for life in GB hospital.

The Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who also holds the Home portfolio, was about to give statement when Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman commented that he (the Chief Minister) would have nothing to say on the issue. The comment angered the Chief Minister. "I know what I have to say, how you can make such comment to a Chief Minister. You cannot dictate me?" said the visibly angry Chief Minister. This led to further commotion and Speaker Ramendra Nath adjourned the Assembly.