Assam bans NHM employees’ strike
Guwahati: Assam government on Sunday said it has banned any form of strike by employees of National Health Mission under Essential Services Maintenance (Assam) Act, 1980. Currently, employees of National Health Mission are on strike affecting health services to press for fulfilment of their demands. “The state government has prohibited any strikes in state by employees of National Health Mission, Assam. This has been announced through a notification by the Home and Political Department as per the Essential Services Maintenance (Assam) Act, 1980,” an official release said. The prohibition comes into force with immediate effect for a period of six months, it added. (PTI)
Three KPLT militants arrested
Guwahati: Three militants belonging to the Karbi Peoples’ Liberation Tiger (KPLT) were arrested in a joint operation by Army and police from Karbirongsope village in Karbi Anglong district on Sunday. Acting on specific information about presence of some KPLT militants in the village, a joint team of Army and police moved into the area and arrested three militants including the outfit’s ‘finance secretary’, a defence spokesman said in a statement. One rifle, two pistols and assorted ammunition were recovered from them, he said. (PTI)
Any fusion with Pt Bickram Ghosh will set a new mark: Garg
Kolkata: Popular singer Zubeen Garg says the rich root-based culture of the north-east makes it a birth place of singer from Bhupen Hazarika to Papon and himself. After an electrifying performance at Idea Jalsa concert along with Bickram Ghosh, Zubeen said last evening, “The region and its music take to its roots.” “There are 350 tribes in the region and not all of them are exposed to modern civlisation’s ways. That makes the music of Assam a mix of ethnicity and modernity,” the “Ya Ali” singer said. Zubeen, who performed for close to two hours and sang Bangla, Hindi, Assamese numbers at the Idea concert, said he was open to collaborate with percussionist Bickram Ghosh in a fusion attempt of drum beats and vocal, instrumentation. “He is a superb table player, a famous percussionist and both of us discuss music when we bump into each other. I had earlier turned up in a brief appearance with Bickramda. So we need to do something together on a bigger canvas,” The Ya Ali Remix Blast crooner said. Describing the Idea Jalsa talent sport initiative of artiste-organiser Durga Jasraj, daughter of Pt Jasraj, as very very inspiring for new musicians, Zubeen said, “Such shows give good platform to aspiring artistes. And Durgaji is the backbone.” (PTI)
Nagaland MCCI proposes road construction to NEC Secretary
Kohima: A delegation of Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Sunday placed a proposal to the NEC Secretary for constructing a Ring Road around Mokokchung town, which could possibly become the ‘launch pad’ for Mokokchung for unprecedented economic development, if realized. According to a release, the delegation was led by MCCI President Moasangba Jamir met the Secretary of North East Council (NEC) Ameishing Luikham, at the Commissioner’s Rest House yesterday, who was in Mokokchung to inspect various NEC sponsored projects. (UNI)
Modi to visit Arunachal on Feb 20
Itanagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive here on February 20 on a day’s visit to attend the Arunachal Pradesh Statehood Day celebrations at Indira Gandhi Park, officials said on Sunday. Modi will inaugurate the Arunachal Festival being held here along with the Statehood Day celebrations, said IPR Secretary, Dani Salu. Salu, who is also the state protocol officer, said that the prime minister will flag-off the Arunachal-New Delhi Rajdhani Express and also inaugurate the comprehensive power transmission line project and the Itanagar water supply project. Modi will arrive here at 10 A.M. and return to New Delhi by 12 noon, he added. (PTI)