Feasibility study on for wildlife sanctuary in West Siang
Itanagar: A feasibility study is being conducted about setting up a wildlife sanctuary in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. A team comprising West Siang deputy commissioner M K Sahoo, divisional forest officer Nyali Ete and other officials had recently undertaken a nine-day trek to areas in far-flung areas like Anu Subse Putu, Sobo Yobo and Amdo Taalee near Potom village for the feasibility study, official sources said here on Saturday. During an interaction with the villagers, Sahoo assured to look into providing telephone connectivity to the area and to take up with the PHED regarding water supply. The issue of setting up the sanctuary and encouraging tea or rubber plantation, if desired by the villagers would be recommended to the government, the sources said quoting the deputy commissioner. (PTI)
Security tightened in Manipur for Republic Day
Imphal: Security measures have been tightened in Manipur in view of a call issued by militant outfits to boycott Republic Day celebrations. Security forces have been deployed at all vantage points and police have undertaken intensive frisking of passers-by to detect movement of militants who have reportedly infiltrated the state capital complex to disrupt the event. This came to light following the arrest of six armed insurgents of United National Liberation Front from Lamlai area in Imphal east district on Friday, officials said. They said the militants had planted two powerful bombs at a roadside near Churachandpur district headquarters on Friday, but they were later defused. (PTI)
Nagaland observes National Girls Day at Nerhema
Kohima: The Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) and the State Resource Centre for Women (SRCW), Nagaland has celebrated ‘National Girl Child Day’ under the theme, ‘Cherishing Our Girl Child,’ at Nerhema Model Village Council Hall, Chiephobozou Block under Kohima district. According to official sources here on Saturday, Meneno V, Research Officer, SRCW chaired the programme and Pastor Dziesetuolie Chadi of Chiephobozou Baptist Church pronounced the invocation. Welcome address was delivered by Daisy Mezhur, Secretary, NSSWB and Mission Director, SRCW. She stressed on the importance of people’s participation for any government programme to be successful. Bano Vinito, Chairperson of the NSSWB shared on the significance of the Girl Child Day. She also stressed on strengthening and paving way for the girl child through education. Pointing out that Naga girls do not have inheritance rights, she called on parents to equip their Girl Child with education for their future security. She urged young girls to be sincere in their studies, and prepare themselves in order to have a good life. (UNI)
Minor boy drowns in pond at Dimapur
Kohima: The body of a nine year old minor boy studying in Class five standard, who reportedly went missing from 7th Mile area of Dimapur town since Wednesday, was recovered from a fishery pond at the same locality. Official sources said that personnel from Diphupar Police Station, who went to the spot after getting information has identified the minor victim as Imtikumzuk Sangtam. Police disclosed that on January 22, the minor victim went missing after which the victim’s parents went searching for him. The family members of the missing minor came to know about the recovery of the body on Thursday morning. Dismissing the speculation of foul play, sources said the body was handed over to the family members after conducting a postmortem. (UNI)
Students’ bodies to refrain from Republic Day against govt ‘apathy’
Diphu: Several students’ organizations of Karbi Anglong district of Assam have decided to boycott Sunday’s Republic Day celebrations in protest against both center and state government’s alleged indisposition towards granting autonomous state status, encompassing the two hill districts of Assam. Various students’ bodies of the district which have decided to stay away from observing Republic Day include Karbi Students Association (Lychand faction), Revolutionary Youth Association and All India Students Association. Beside this, the CPI (ML) hills party committee has also decided to remain away from Republic Day celebration. The two hills districts of the state, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, have been demanded autonomous state status under the provision of Article 244(A) of Indian Constitution. (UNI)
Rhino poached in Kaziranga
Guwahati: An adult female rhino was killed by poachers, who decamped with its horn and part of a leg, inside Kaziranga National Park (KNP) of Assam late Friday night. Forest officials said on Saturday that the carcass of the rhino was found in Burapahar range of the Park on Saturday morning. The carcass bore bullet injuries and several empty cartridges of AK-series rifle were found near it. The poachers cut away the horn of the rhino and a part of one of its legs. The calf of the killed rhino was spotted by forest guards some distance away from the carcass and it was reported to be safe. Rhino horns fetch crores of rupees in the international market as it is believed to posses healing powers, including curing cancer, though scientific studies have proved otherwise. Four persons were arrested near Assam-Nagaland border on Friday and Rs 24.80 lakh in cash was recovered from them, which they had confessed of getting by selling a rhino horn. Militants have also been found to be involved in rhino horn trading in an attempt to get easy money. (UNI)
Assam hikes freedom fighters pension
Guwahati: The Assam government has announced of an increase in the monthly pension for freedom fighter’s of the state. Freedom fighters in the state will henceforth be entitled to Rs 15,000 per month as pension against earlier Rs 8,000 per month. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi announced this increase in pension on Friday, an official statement informed on Saturday. The decision has been taken as a token of respect for the freedom fighters ahead of Republic Day. (UNI)