‘JMB targeting Bodo leaders politically-motivated’
Guwahati:Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) chief Hagrama Mohilary on Friday termed media reports of Jamat-ul-Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) targetting Bodo leaders as a “politically-motivated.”He claimed that there was no such threat to any Bodo leader and it was a political ploy against his party, the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). ‘There is no threat to Bodo leaders from any jihadi group. It is a politically motivated news that has been circulated,’ he told reporters on the sidelines of a party function in Chirang district.He said the purported NIA report was being spread by political rivals so that people move away from the BPF. Mr Mohilary also refused asking for extra security guards or bullet-proof car for himself.Media reports, quoting an NIA interrogation report, had claimed that 40-50 Bodo leaders were on a hit-list of the JMB as a retaliation of communal riots in BTC areas in the last two years. (UNI)
143 people test HIV positive in Tripura
Agartala:A total of 143 people including 15 pregnant women were tested HIV positive this year, an official of Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) said on Friday. “TSACS has tested 47,300 blood samples of suspected HIV carriers till October, of which 143 persons including 15 pregnant women were found to be HIV positive,” Project Director of TSACS, Ashok Dey told reporters. Last year as many as 72,000 blood samples were tested of which 225 persons were found to be positive, he said adding 70 pregnant women tested HIV positive in the past three years. Currently there are 68 centres for HIV test in the state which would rise to 82 by the next year. (PTI)
Nagaland Forest Minister donates python to zoo
Kohima:Nagaland Minister for Forest and Environment Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire has donated one adult Burmese Python measuring about 14 feet and weighing about 30 kg to Nagaland Zoological Park (NZP) on Tuesday last. In a press release, NSP officer in charge Obed Bohovi Swu said this was the biggest python ever received by the park till date. He said the park has two more Burmese Pythons. Meanwhile, NZP Director Sentichuba Aier extended appreciation to Dr. Nikcy Kire for taking the lead in conservation of wildlife resources. He also expressed gratitude to donor of a Leaf Turtle and other members, who have been actively helping in conserving and protecting wildlife resources. (UNI)
C. J. Ponraj to take over as Chief Secretary of Nagaland
Kohima:Additional Chief secretary for Personal and Administrative Reforms and Law and Justice C. J. Ponraj will succeed outgoing Chief Secretary Toshi Aier, who is retiring from office as Chief Secretary of the state on December 31. Nagaland has seen three Chief Secretaries within a span of one year after former Chief Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir took retirement from office on January 31, followed by Nagaland first Lady Chief Secretary Mrs. Banuo Z. Jamir, who retired on September 30 and Toshi Aier retiring on December 31. Sources said that C. J. Ponraj, who will occupy the office of the Chief Secretary on January 1, 2015, will be succeeded by D. K. Bhalla on March 1, 2015. (UNI)
