SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Friday called for border trade regulation to check illegal trading that would adversely affect the country’s economy.
Speaking at the two-day international seminar on ‘Border Trade in North East India: A Politico-Economic Perspective’ organised by Women’s College in the city, Sangma referred to pre-Independence days when trade flourished in the remotest and most difficult border areas of the country.
He regretted that post-Independence border trade was not taken advantage of and the borders have become areas of conflict and poverty.
“However, with the long-drawn engagements by successive governments of northeastern states with the Centre and the governments of neighbouring countries to make the international borders the borders of friendship and prosperity, things have started happening,” he said adding, “but we need to move faster and that is why such seminars are important to look at the opportunities and challenges of border trade from politico-economic perspective.”
He said that the opening of two border haats in 2012 — one at Kalaichar in South West Garo Hills and the other at Balat in East Khasi Hills — was a “humble step” of the government to promote the age-old trade relations with Bangladesh. After seeing the success of these border markets, he informed that the State has proposed 22 more border haats, of which four have already been sanctioned.
Highlighting the bottlenecks and challenges that come in the way of promoting border trade, the Chief Minister said convergence of all stakeholders was crucial and expressed hope that the discussions and deliberations in the seminar would culminate into suggestions for policy makers.
Sangma also suggested that such seminars be held on a larger scale “so as to reach out to the youth and motivate them towards entrepreneurship”, adding that there cannot be sustainability of trade and commerce without entrepreneurs.
Earlier, Falguni Rajkumar, Chairman of the Board of Governors, RGIIM-Shillong, said South East Asia “is a divided family broken down by politics of states” and stressed on the need to restore the dynamics of exchange across the borders.
President of Education India Trust, J.B Bhattacharya and former Rajya Sabha MP and President of the Governing Body of Women’s College B.B Dutta also addressed the inaugural session.
The seminar is being attended by delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, besides hosts of academicians and students from various institutions, including those from beyond the borders.
Mukul calls for boost to border trade, regulations
Man flees after killing ex-wife
JOWAI: A man identified as Wailad Papang of Umbuit Village near Myntkung allegedly murdered his ex-wife with whom he had separated two years ago.
The woman identified as Mumlang Langstang of Khlieh Umbuit village was on her way home from the paddy field when the accused caught hold of her and killed her, sources informed.
After killing her, he dumped the body in a stream at Khloo (Forest) Umbuit and later, the body was discovered by farmers who informed Raliang Police.
The accused is still absconding, according to police.
Cabinet Snippets
Term extension
The State Government has decided to extend the term of the Secretary of Meghalaya State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission for a period of one year from August 2016. Deputy Chief Minister, Food and Civil Supply in-charge, RC Laloo stated that BN Sangma was first appointed as the Secretary of the Commission on July 31, 2015.
Plot No. Allotment
The State Cabinet has decided to regularise the allotment of plot number 121 and 122 at Wahingdoh to the local Dorbar Shnong. Deputy Chief Minister, Revenue and Disaster Management in-charge, RC Laloo said that the government had received a proposal from the Dorbar Shnong requesting for settlement of the plot number 121 and 122 at Wahingdoh. According to Laloo, the government decided to regularise the entire allotment since school buildings and community halls, which are charitable in nature and promote the welfare of the public, have been constructed over plot number 122.
Agency renamed
The State Cabinet has decided to rename the Meghalaya Non Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency to Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the decision has been taken in sync with the government’s intention to harness renewable energy through adoption of new available solutions.
Gambling on the rise in Ri Bhoi villages
Nongpoh: Gambling which has been strictly prohibited by the District Administration is growing at an alarming rate in Baridua and Khanapara villages under Khanapara Police Outpost. This was brought to light when local residents informed media persons of such illegal activities which have been going on for quite some time. A group of media persons went on a surprise visit at Baridua and Khanapara villages and located several dens where these activities took place. Some were also even clearly visible along the Khanapara village roadside.
These activities includes gambling(with dice) and playing cards also locally known as Khalai Khruk Khruk, however, no action has been taken by the District Administration and Police Department so far.
When contacted by a group of media persons, John Nongrum, Secretary of Baridua village, admitted that these kind of illegal activities have been on the rise recently and that the village authority cannot do anything to stop it as they are organized by a group of influential persons without the knowledge of the village authority or the District Administration.
The Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District, CP Gotmare, when contacted said that so far he had received no complaint on such illegal activities in these two villages, adding that organizing any kind of gambling is not permitted without prior permission from the District Administration.
Gotmare also said that the District Administration is ready to take necessary actions against such illegal activities and the organizers if found and that they will be punished accordingly for organizing these activities without prior permission from the District Administration.
Abducted man escapes after accident
SHILLONG: A road accident came as a blessing in disguise to one Jugal Kishor Sharma of Rajabala who was abducted in West Garo Hills on October 19.
Sharma managed to escape after the vehicle he was travelling in with his abductors met with an accident.
Sharma in his complaint said around 6.30pm on October 19, one Julhaj Islam asked him to board a tempo at Hallidayganj.
On reaching Garobadha, the tempo stopped near a Maruti car and five unidentified men came out and took him in. Sharma further said the car met with an accident at Gudibala village and he managed to escape.
Later, one of the accused was apprehended by locals while four others managed to escape.
However, they took away Rs 3,500 and ornaments worth Rs 1 lakh from the victim.
Police register case against KSU-JHDU leaders
JOWAI: Police registered a case against the KSU leaders and members for trespassing and threatening the JHADC Chief and few other MDCs as alleged in the complaint lodged on Thursday evening.
The Joint Secretary of the JHADC lodged a complaint alleging that the KSU activists led by Nang-ai Sutnga and its assistant education secretary, Justice Paul Lyngdoh forcibly entered the JHADC CEM’s chamber and threatened him and other MDCs with dire consequences.
However, the KSU-JHDU in a statement issued on Friday refuted the claim of the JHADC Joint Secretary. “We were surprised to see that the name of Justice Paul Lyngdoh was mentioned, though he was not present with us”, the statement said.
However the statement of the KSU contradicted with its previous statement issued to media that said that the group of KSU activists was led by N. Sutnga and Justice Paul Lyngdoh.
The president of the union Ohibait Dkhar even clarified that Justice Paul Lyngdoh is no more a leader of the KSU-JHDU as he had resigned in July this year.
Some of the MDCs commented on the denial of the KSU, “If he (Lyngdoh) feels that the KSU-JHDU had misused his name, he should lodge a complaint with the police against the KSU leaders”.
News from across Meghalaya
Local artisans display works at Art Fest
53 local artists are participating in the week-long Meghalaya Art Festival which is underway at State Central Library since Monday. The exhibition and workshop which is being held simultaneously will end on Saturday. The Art Festival which is organised under the aegis of the Department of Arts and Culture, has nearly 200 paintings apart from half a dozen sculptures and ceramic works made by 80 local artists on display. The festival was inaugurated by Ronnie V Lyngdoh, Minister of Arts and Culture, in the presence of Director, Matsiewdor War Nongbri, resource persons, and a host of artists and art enthusiasts.
Youth festival to be held in Nongstoin
The State Government project, ‘Supporting Human Capital Development in Meghalaya’ with the support of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, West Khasi Hills District in collaboration with Aide et Action and Nongstoin College, will hold the day-long Nongstoin Youth Festival, 2016 themed, ‘Choose Future, Choose Skill’ on October 28, at Madan Iew, New Nongstoin. To kick start the youth festival, a ‘Marathon: Skill Run’ will be flagged off at 6:00am from DC’s Office to Madan Iew. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners under four categories (Junior Girls, Junior Boys, Senior Girls, Senior Boys.) Interested participants are requested to contact the District Sports Officer, Nongstoin for further information. This will be followed by the main event at Madan Iew from 2:00pm onwards featuring a fashion show by designers from iLEAD, skit, songs and dances. The event will also feature a folk singer-songwriter, Lovely Khriam.
Death anniv of Wikliffe Syiem observed
The KSU West Khasi Hills District Unit along with the office of the Hima Nongstoin on Friday observed the 28th death anniversary of Late Wikliffe Syiem, the Syiem Khynnah (Deputy King) of Hima Nongstoin at Sohpian, West Khasi Hills. Daniel Khyriem, president of the KSU central body, E.P Syiem, Syiem of Hima Nongstoin, Lambokstar Marngar, finance secretary KSU, John Fischer Nongsiang, president of the KSU West Khasi Hills, local headman and sordar of different villages in Nongstoin among others attended the commemoration. Daniel Khyriem during his speech said that “Wycliffe was a perfect example for the Khasis. He never surrendered and gave up his demand for autonomy status. He later fled to Bangladesh as he did not want to be a king sans power. On October 21, 1988, Wycliffe breathed his last at Rajai in Bangladesh,” added that the late Syiem was the first engineer of the Khasi community. He declared Nongstoin as an independent sovereign state on January 13, 1948. He was responsible for giving Hima Nongstoin independence from the British, Indian and Bangladesh governments. Members of the KSU along with E.P Syiem laid floral wreaths at the memorial structures constructed at Nongstoin and Sohpian in memory of Wikliffe.
Rape
Police have arrested one person in North Garo Hills for allegedly raping a mentally unstable girl. A complaint was lodged stating that on October 19 around 8.30am, one Abdul Hakim Sheikh, 35, raped one mentally unstable 14-year-old girl near Didram river at Chengalma village in Bajengdoba. In another case, a complaint was lodged stating that in the month of July, one Rasthy A Sangma raped a 16-year-old girl at Tibapara Chulgre village in Dalu and the girl got pregnant following the incident. In yet another incident, one Mestondar K Hari raped one woman at Mawkyrwat (SWKH).
Parents accept apology of Principal
The parents of the child who faced corporal punishment at Shillong Public School has accepted the apology of the Principal of the school. Referring to the apology of the Principal conveyed through a news channel, the mother of the student in a statement issued to the media on Friday said that she appreciated such a move. The mother also hoped that the school will install CCTVs.
Public hearing of cement co. opposed
The Meghalaya People’s United Front, central body has opposed the public hearing of the Dalmia cement company scheduled for October 25. In a letter addressed to the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, the MPUF said that allowing the company to set up cement plant in EJH will lead to environment degradation.
‘Tyrso-Umtngam village to become an eco-tourism spot’
Tyrso-Umtngam village will be in the world tourist map in a short period, stated Block Development Officer of Umling Community and Rural Development Block, R. Kharbihkhiew. Owing to the mass arrival of the Amur Falcon from Siberia, Mongolia and the upper regions of China, he said the area will be visited by thousands of people to witness the annual migration of the falcons. Kharbihkhiew was addressing students and villagers of the Tyrso-Umtngam area during the Amur Falcon Awareness Programme organised by Tyrso Valley Wildlife Protection Society on October 20. Giving an insight into the migratory birds, Kharbihkhiew informed that the Amur Falcons migrate to Tyrso-Umtngam valley and stay in the area for sometime before they proceed to South Africa via the Deccan Plateau. He appealed to students and the people of the area not to disturb or kill the birds so that they continue to come to Ri Bhoi. This he said, will attract domestic and foreign tourists to Tyrso-Umtngam to watch these migratory birds. He added that this will ultimately transform the economy of the area.
Sonowal directs surveillance in sandbar isles against jihadis
GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who also holds the home portfolio, has directed Assam police to set up surveillance mechanism in place in all the yet to be policed sandbar isles (char areas) in the bosom of the Brahmaputra.
This call was made by the Chief Minister to prevent jihadi elements from across the international border with Bangladeshi from striking roots in those unguarded, open areas vastly inhabited by vulnerable and illiterate migrant population.
These sandbar isles are hardly in the network of the Assam police in the absence of any form of permanent police.
These are cut off from the mainland of Assam and boat is the only mode on communication to and from those isles.
The government’s departments like health, education, social welfare etc. have no presence in those areas that are perennially prone to heavy flood every summer.
People in some of those inhabited char areas construct a large raised platform so as to take shelter during the flood.
There are about 2300 such char areas in Assam where fundamentalist elements are suspected to have exploited the remoteness of these areas and radicalised the vulnerable minority population.
Sonowal’s directive to bring these char areas under police radar came following the arrest of more than 40 members of Jamat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB) in the state on various occasions in the recent past.
Sahanur Alam, one of the prime accused of 2014 Burdwan blast in West Bengal, was also arrested from Mukalmua in Nalbari district of Assam.
Following the instruction from the Chief Minister, the Director General of Assam Police Mukesh Sahay made a visit to Azam Ali char about 50 kilometers away from Guwahati on Tuesday.
The Director General spent the night there to keep tabs on the police and their action plan in the ground to counter the growing threat from fundamentalists in the state.
Sahay interacted with locals there to gauge the security scenario in the area and to inquire about any unusual incidents taking place anywhere in the adjoining areas.
The Director General Police in the state stated that the international border areas along the Brahmaputra river in the state is being guarded with proper security and is being kept as an area of high aleart by security forces.
Sahay further added that the police was on high alert and was keeping tabs on fundamentalist activities of any kind in remote char areas while also collecting information and reports about the people of char areas working outside.
BJP lists Manipur as second NE conquest
GUWAHATI: BJP is making all out effort to win Manipur as the party’s next conquest in North East India, after the state of Assam.
The trouble-torn Manipur, saddled with problems of insurgency and growing unemployment among youth, is yearning for a change.
The three-time Congress Chief Minister Okram Ibobi is facing a huge anti-incumbency wave with astronomical inflation of food items and cooking gas.
The saffron brigade is banking that anti-incumbency sentiment and huge rise of prices of essential commodities will turn voters towards them.
Manipur goes to polls early next year, and BJP has already started its preparedness for the polls as nearly every fortnight a central minister is making a trip to the state.
Party President Amit Shah kicked off the poll campaign in the capital town of Imphal on September and the state now has become a centre of focus for the saffron party.
“Manipur is in complete disarray, 15 years of rule of Congress has ruined the state. Basic human needs like prices of cooking gas have touched the roof. People are yearning for a change,” a senior state BJP leader said.
However, states like Manipur might turn out to be tricky state for party to handle, especially on the Greater Nagaland issue.
It is a highly emotive issue for Manipuri’s and NDA government stand on the issue is not yet known though the historic accord was signed with Naga leaders last year.
Other regional parties like All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) also made its presence felt in the state in last assembly elections winning as many as seven seats.
But, after initial euphoria the party has lost touch with ground situation. In all probability, it will be fight between Congress and BJP for the 60 seats of the assembly.
The level of excitement and tension is clear in the party and region as the state of Manipur is moving closer towards the year’s elections. (UNI)
Manipur Cong ‘worried’ about anti-incumbency
IMPHAL: The anti-incumbency factor is worrying the ruling Congress in Manipur, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has said.
Ibobi Singh, who has been in power for three consecutive terms, said the anti-incumbency feelings may tilt the balance in the January assembly polls.
“If our party can overcome this factor, it will win at least 50 seats in the 60-member house,” he said.
“In 2002, we got 20 seats and 31 in 2007. We created a political record in the state by winning 42 seats in 2012.This time we are expecting about 38 seats, even after conceding the anti-incumbency factor”, he added.
The Chief Minister admitted that there were some lapses in the police recruitment tests. This is why the government cancelled the test results and held fresh tests.
He added that the appointment of ranking officials had been entrusted to Manipur Public Service Commission. (IANS)