Rare spine surgery in Tezpur Medical College
Tezpur: A rare spine surgery for fractured backbone was performed successfully for the first time in the Assam government’s newly-established Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, doctors said here. Assistant Professor of orthopaedics, Sarfraz Iman, along with his team of doctors said a 20-year-old man here had fallen from a height and fractured his second lumbar vertebrae on March 12 and admitted to the hospital. The man with complete paraplegia (impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities) was operated upon that day with “spinal fusion with pedicle screws and decompression.” The patient has improved dramatically post-surgery and is relieved of his pain, Iman said. The team of doctors, during their posting in Silchar Medical College Hospital, had performed over one hundred major spinal surgeries, he said. (PTI)
Lawyers protest bomb blast at market
Imphal: Lawyers of the state under the aegis of All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA) on Tuesday staged a sit-in protest in front of the Cheirap court, Uripok here to protest the March 11 Khwairamband Keithel bomb blast in which three persons died and 23 received injuries. AMBA president Khaidem Mani urged the government to protect the people and appealed to all not to carry out such attacks which inflict casualties on the common masses. He said a woman lawyer also sustained injuries during the blast and is undergoing treatment. The lawyers who spoke during the protest also urged the government to expedite the investigation into the incident and nab the culprits. (UNI)
150 fall ill after having ‘prasad’
Barpeta (Assam): About 150 persons were taken ill after consuming ‘prasad’ after a puja at Patbausi in Barpeta district. According to Barpeta Medical College Superintendent Pradip Ojah, all the persons are stated to be out of danger at present. The affected people took ‘prasad’ after ‘Maa Manasa Puja’ on Monday night. They fell ill after consuming the ‘prasad’ and complained of stomach pain and dehydration after consuming it. All 150 of them were admitted to Barpeta Medical College this morning. (PTI)
Rare giant flying squirrel rescued in Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar: A rare giant flying squirrel was rescued from two men in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district and released into the wild, forest department sources said on Tuesday. The Hodgson’s giant flying squirrel (petaurista magnificus), a rare species of eastern Himalaya, was rescued from Dirang Basti and released in the forest of Thembang Bapu Community Conservation Area yesterday, said Deputy Conservator of Forest (HQ) Diganta Gogoi. Tenzin Chogyal, a committee member of Thembang Bapu CCA management committee rescued the animal from two strangers while they were playing with it late last week. The species is found in the sub-continent from Myanmar to Nepal and is protected as schedule II species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Giant flying squirrels are unique among mammals as they can glide from tree to tree in sub-tropical and temperate forests. Some of these species are attractively coloured and Hodgson’s giant flying squirrel has a rich rufous and black body colour, a forest official said. (PTI)
Assam to have award in master drummer’s honour
Guwahati: The government will institute an award in the name of Moghai Oja, who was the pioneer in popularising the dhol (drum) of Assam in the world stage with his masterful and unparalleled beats. Making the announcement at All Assam Lok Sanskriti Samaroh in Jorhat district on Monday, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, “The contribution of Moghai Oja to the world of music is unparallel and as a gesture of gratitude to this great performer, we will institute an award in his name.” He said Oja’s style of playing the dhol was innovative and his beats kept the audience mesmerised. He also termed Oja a pioneer of integration whose music was a symbol of harmony and unity and stood by the side of humanity. The government would take steps to organise the centenary celebrations throughout the state the birth of Oja who was born on March 15, 1916, to give his works the much needed exposure and acclamation at every level, he announced. Gogoi also announced a cash assistance of Rs 20 lakh to Oja Kala Kshetra to continue its works in popularising the music of Moghai Oja before the world audience. (UNI)
