NEHUTA condemns baton charge on JNU students
Shillong: The North Eastern Hill University Teacher’s Association (NEHUTA) has condemned the brutal baton charge and lodging of baseless complaints against JNU students for protesting against fee hike. The association stated that it “expresses its solidarity with the students and teachers of JNU for raising the issue of commercialisation and privatization of higher education with the central government despite all intimidation and physical threats”. The association has also urged citizens to raise their voices in order to protect the right of state sponsored higher education.
BSF helps put out blaze in WJH
SHILLONG: A fire broke out in a welding shop at Bakur village, West Jaintia Hills on Wednesday morning. The fire which was suspected to have been caused due to a short circuit had also spread to an adjoining shop and house. After being approached by the headman of Bakur, BSF troops of BOP Dawki, 30 Bn, reached the spot along with a water tanker. Due to the timely intervention, the fire was put under control and a few of the trapped villagers were rescued. Later, police from Dawki PS arrived at the scene accompanied by fire fighters and water tankers. The fire was totally extinguished after the joint efforts of the BSF, police, fire brigade and villagers. Meanwhile, the owner of the welding shop has been identified as Barit of Bakur village.
Section 144 CrPC imposed in WKH
NONGSTOIN: The District Magistrate of West Khasi Hills, T Lyngwa, has passed an order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting any person organisation, clan or group from indulging in or resorting to the act of poisoning or destroying the rivers, fish, aquatic life and streams in the district. The order comes in view of reports stating that some individuals have been using poisonous substances, chemicals and explosives for fishing. Such practices can have a negative impact on marine life as well as compromise the safety of the water and the order has been passed in view of the urgency of the matter.
Diocesan youth convention from Jan 4
SHILLONG: The 29th Diocesan Youth Convention will be held from January 4 to 7 at Sacred Heart Church, Damas. Rev. Albert Hemron, co-adjutor Bishop of Dibrugarh has consented to inaugurate the convention. Thousands of youths belonging to different parishes are expected to take part in convention including regional youth leaders. The theme for the convention is ‘Christ is Alive’ or Christus Vivit.
Elephant calf killed in GH
TURA: A young elephant calf that was part of a herd moving through Gaptuli reserve forest in the Hollaidanga area of Tikrikilla was shot dead by poachers on Tuesday evening. Villagers spotted the body of the calf with a bullet wound lying in the forest area. Preliminary investigations by wildlife officials indicate that the calf was part of a group of around four adult pachyderms that was moving in the area when poachers targeted them. “All indications point this to be the handiwork of poachers but we cannot understand why they would target a calf,” said DFO, Wildlife, Arpiyush Sangma while not ruling out the possibility that the poachers may have been targeting the adults in the group and failed. As news spread about the killing of the calf, villagers came to the site and offered prayers and flowers on its corpse as a mark of respect to this majestic species.