Mizoram to procure 30,000 quintal rice for ‘mega block’
Aizawl:Mizoram government has decided to procure over 30,000 quintals of rice through a contractor to ensure that no one in the state goes without food due to ‘mega block’ by railways. The ‘mega block’ was caused by construction of broad gauge railway tracks at Lumding-Badarpur section in Assam from October one. “Contractor Lalrindika of Zarkawt in Aizawl has informed that he would begin to procure the rice from next week from sources other than Food Corporation of India (FCI),” State Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs secretary C Lalvena told PTI. He said that the contractor agreed to supply rice at the rate of Rs 25.25 to the state government at Zuangtui FCI warehouse in Aizawl. “The contractor said that he would be able to procure rice from Myanmar and other places,” he said. FCI also floated a global tender for supply of rice from Myanmar through Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India Ltd, Lalvena said. As of now, the stock position of rice in the state was comfortable and would last for three months, he said. (PTI)
Two persons abducted in Mizoram
Aizawl:Two non-tribals hailing from Baghabazar village in Assam’s Cachar district have been abducted by unidentified people, police said on Thursday. Prabot Das and his friend Morrudin Laskar were abducted by people who had hired a van belonging to Das from Baghabazar village on Monday, SDPO of Vairengte Sub-Division Remlalliana Hnamte said. The van was found near Mizoram-Assam border village of Bilkhawthlir and the abductors called the family members of Das on Tuesday and informed them that they had kidnapped Das and Laskar, he said. A police party led by Hnamte launched a massive combing operation in the area. The police were yet to ascertain whether the abductors were militants or goons operating in the Mizoram-Assam border areas. (PTI)
Shops gutted in Aizawl
Aizawl:Three shops were completely gutted on Thursday morning at Sesawng village in Mizoram – Manipur border, police said. Police said that the shops belonging to K Thangzauva, Darneihkhuma and Hmingchungnunga were gutted at around 2:30 AM this morning However, no one was injured in the fire. Medicine worth almost Rs one lakh, 40 broiler chickens and other commodities were lost in the fire. The villagers collected donations from the village to help the three families and their shops would be reconstructed, village leaders said. (PTI)
Polytechnic to celebrate golden jubilee
GUWAHATI: Girls’ Polytechnic, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati, is gearing up to celebrate its golden jubilee in November. Established in 1964, the premiere institution has been educating girl students of the northeast for 50 years. The authorities of the institution have invited all former students, employees and well-wishers to be a part of the daylong programme to be held on November 7. “Their active participation and cooperation is highly solicited so that we can make the year-long programme a grand success. All well-wishers are requested to join the celebrations,” said an official of the institute.(Reuters)
First Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair in Jorhat
Guwahati:The first Assam International Trade and Industrial Fair 2015 will take place in Jorhat from February 19 to 25 next year where exhibitors from Italy, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Laos will participate. “The main objective of the fair is to provide a platform for business opportunities and enterprise building with the national and international markets,” Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi told reporters here on Wednesday.The fair will provide a comprehensive buyer-seller platform offering business opportunities, he added. “The Fair is targeting exhibitors mainly from ASEAN, SAARC and BCIM countries. Already a few have confirmed their participation,” Bordoloi said.He informed exhibitors from Italy, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Laos have confirmed to put up stalls so far.(PTI)
Arms smuggler killed in encounter
Kokrajhar (Assam):An arms smuggler was killed and another injured in an encounter with CRPF’s COBRA personnel in Kokrajhar district, police officials said on Wednesday. Two arms smugglers exchanged fire with the CRPF’s specialised unit COmmando Battalion for Resolute Action near Chesapani yesterday. A pistol, one magazine and some live ammunition were recovered from them, they said. (PTI)