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Dignitaries on the 44th B'day of AMSU

Learning from the historic experience about the need for a students' body at the State level, the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) was established the next day.

Since the day AMSU was established, the student body has been taking leading roles in different issues and it would continue the same legacy in future, Alamgir said.

Addressing the function, Hamom Nabachandra stressed that peaceful atmosphere conducive to wholesome education were the basic prerequisites to take Manipur on a progressive path.

However, students of Manipur were being denied the opportunity to pursue education with peace of mind.

The demand raised by different sections of the society to made education a free zone were yet to yield any substantive result, he noted.

Even though it is the fag end of August, students have been unable to pursue their studies systematically since the July 23 Khwairamband Keithel killings.

COHSEM as well as BSEM have not been able to work regularly, Nabachandra said.

Calling upon all to make education a free zone and not to disturb academic atmosphere so that academic calendar can be stringently, Nabachandra observed that AMSU, being the oldest student body of Manipur, should take more pro-active role to build up a united strength of all the students of Manipur.

The student bodies should also make in-depth analysis and identify the issues in which they should get involved or not, he added.

Lairenlakpam Rajmohon also stressed on the need to make education a free zone.

The inability to let student pursue their studies without any disturbance is a lost for the whole society, he said.

Saying that AMSU has been in the forefront in different issues since it took its root on the soil of Manipur, Jamesbond cited the movement for statehood, establishment of Manipur University, RIMS, inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule and others.

AMSU cannot accept the Government's intimation to shift away its present office without giving any reason.

If it is reasonable, AMSU would raise no objection, he said.

Today's foundation day function was also attended by former AMSU presidents and functionaries.

AASU adviser Samujjal Bhattacharyya in Guwahati on Tuesday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Guwahati, Aug. 25 : Dispur has asked the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council and Board of Secondary Education, Assam to adopt a technology to do away with fake marksheets.

An Assam government official said the government was stressing on adopting a technology similar to the one used for making currency.

He said the AHSEC and SEBA have been asked by the education department to discuss with experts as how to go about in adopting a new technology.

A SEBA official said the board would be holding discussions with printing presses and experts to use modern technology through which one could clearly differentiate between genuine and fake marksheets or pass certificates.

“The people involved in the fake marksheet racket may somehow manage to get information about the technology used by the SEBA in making marksheets and pass certificates and thus commit the fraud. So we have to adopt a technology in printing the marksheets, pass certificates and admit cards which cannot be tampered or adopted by the racketeers, at least not in as rampant a manner as at present,” the official added.

In June, the special task force of Assam police recovered several fake documents, including marksheets, admit cards and pass certificates of over 40 institutions, including Gauhati University, Assam Medical College, Gauhati Medical College, SEBA and AHSEC.

U. Deka, the secretary of AHSEC, said the council had already adopted a few measures to prevent fraud while printing marksheets and pass certificates.

He said the usage of modern technology would be discussed in details at the council meeting.

SEBA and AHSEC have also received reports that some of its officials might be involved in the fake marksheet racket.

“We have asked the police to give the identities of the guilty officials and employees involved in the racket. Once the police provide the identities and substantial proof, SEBA will take action against the accused staff,” a board official said.

Sources alleged that the owners of some printing presses were involved in the racket.

“The details of the backgrounds of owners of the printing presses where marksheets, pass certificates and admit cards are printed must be kept by the SEBA and AHSEC. The police must question the press owners engaged by the SEBA and AHSEC in case of any detection of fake marksheets,” a source said.

VARANASI: The department of general surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), is going to organise a medical education programme on the basics of laparoscopic surgery on Sunday.

According to the dean of the department, Prof A K Khanna, 18 basic issues related to laparoscopic surgery would be discussed by eminent surgeons from different parts of the country including New Delhi, Lucknow and Kanpur. He said, "in past two decades the laparoscopic surgery gained great popularity because there is less pain and a shorter stay at the hospital." The CME would be followed by a workshop on hernia at Sir Sunderlal Hospital on August 24.

APPOINTED: Prof Anand Mohan of electronics engineering department, BHU, has been appointed as the Executive Council member of the Mizoram University, Aizawl, for three years. Another BHU teacher, Prof R S Dubey of bio-chemistry department has been nominated as the member of the Academic Council of Rajasthan Central University.

GUWAHATI, Aug 21 – The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today questioned the integrity of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and DoNER Minister Bijoy Krishna Handique alleging that both the leaders have failed to take up the cause of the local youths as far as ensuring 100 per cent job reservation for the local candidates in the Assam Gas Cracker Project is concerned. “The Assam Gas Cracker Project is the result of Assam agitation and Assam Accord aimed at economic development of the State, besides ensuring employment for the NE youths, which is why reservation of 100 per cent jobs for the local youths is a must,” said AASU adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya.

Earlier today, members of AASU gheroed the Assam Gas Cracker Project camp office at the Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok building and halted the interview process for 57 posts of trainee engineers and human resource department official as the part of first recruitment drive for the Gas Cracker Project.

The interview process was halted for almost two-and-a half hours and it resumed only after the BPCL authorities ensured to take up the matter in the next board meeting.

“The BPCL authorities reasoned that as the interview was being conducted at the all-India level, our demand for 100 per cent reservation couldn’t be met. However, they later assured that maximum number of jobs would be given to the local candidates,” Dr Bhattacharya stated.

“Of the 450 candidates called for viva today, there were only 46 candidates from the region. This is a conspiracy against the local youths and we will intensify our movement if cent per cent reservation is not ensured,” Dr Bhattacharya said.

The AASU, it may be mentioned, had already written to the Prime Minister, DoNER Minister and the State Chief Minister pressing for 100 per cent job reservation for local youths of the NE.

Churachandpur, August 19 : All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has urged the Education Minister to declare the conduct of counseling to BE/B Tech/B Arch/B Pharm, etc which was conducted yesterday as null and void.

A representation submitted to the Education Minister by the Education secretary of ATSUM, Kakam Haokip pointed out the unreasonable manner in the allocation of Institution for the tribal.

The ATSUM memorandum contrast the norms followed by the education department and the medical department.

It pointed out that two out of five seats allotted for Manipur in Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi are reserved for the STs while the same has not been followed in BE/B Tech/B Arch/B Pharm courses.

The ATSUM representation urged the concerned authority to come out with government order and notification on the same in due course of time.

IMPHAL, Aug 18 : Barely three days after college students submitted a memorandum to the Governor for intervening into the disturbed academic atmosphere due to the prevailing situation, yet All Students’ of the Colleges and Higher Secondaries of Manipur submitted a similar memorandum to the Governor today.

A group of students from GP Women College, Imphal College, Modern College, DM College of Commerce, TG. Higher Secondary School, CC Higher Secondary School and Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School, today storm the Governors’ Bungalow to submit memorandum to the Governor however they were later cornered to nearby area and later three representatives of the students were allow to enter the Bungalow for submitting the memorandum.

While speaking to media persons after successfully submitting the memorandum to the Governor, the representatives disclosed that they apprised the Governor to intervene into the disturbed situation of the academic atmosphere of the state due to curfew and continuous imposition of general strike and bands etc. Following which the Governor responded that he was helpless about the bandh and strikes as it was imposed by various civil society organization however assured that he would look into the matter related to the Government like the curfew and other restriction which was causing hindrance in the academic atmosphere to ensure free zone in the atmosphere, said the representatives.

The representatives further revealed that the Governor also assured to take steps in the interest of the students community as education was among the priority list of the Government.

The students body urged the concerned authority who are calling the 36 hour strike from August 18 to 19 August, to relaxed academic atmosphere from the purview of the strike, considering the hardship faced by the students community and also urged to relaxed the later in any of such agitation. In the meantime some students were hurt during the police action however the students admitted that it was there fault as the storm towards the Governors’ bungalow without any prior information.

In the memorandum the students stated that since the incident of deliberate police firing and fake encounter killing on July 23rd which had resulted to the death of an innocent pregnant women and a young citizen and injury to five others with continuous public discontent over trampling over the rule of law by the state authorities, the people of Manipur had been agitating over the issue of Justice to the state in this connection we students’ thereof request you to kindly use your most conscientious to effect the restoration of normalcy and bringing in of justice to the people.

New Delhi, Aug 15 In a “shocking and first of its kind incident” in the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), at least eight students of the varsity here were ragged by their seniors in a hostel room, authorities said Thursday.

“We are shocked. It has never happened on our campus,” JNU proctor Neera Kongari told IANS.

“The victims were fresh MCA (Masters in Computer Application) students and those who ragged them are semester third and fourth students. It is a first of its kind and sad incident in our university, and we are going to take the strongest action,” she said.

The incident took place in Tapti hostel Wednesday night. Kongari said there were five to six students who were ragging their juniors.

“The anti-ragging committee got a tip-off about the incident and conducted the raid. They caught them red handed. We have already withdrawn the accused students from the hostel,” Kongari said.

“Further inquiry is on. We will take stringent action so that such an act is never repeated on our campus,” she said.

When asked about the time line of real action and if they will be rusticated from the university, Kongari said: “The real action may take place next week as there are a few holidays this week. But authorities are consulting each other about the decision and soon you will see the result.”

“We have a code, under that the strongest punishment will be given,” she reiterated.

According to police at the Vasant Vihar police station (JNU falls under its jurisdiction), no official communication or complaint from the varsity authorities has been received yet.

Robin, a student from the same hostel, said: “We are shocked at the development. But many of us believe that it was more of an introductory thing than ragging.”

On Aug 3, the Kirori Mal College (KMC) in Delhi University’s north xcampus expelled two students and rusticated another for allegedly ragging a junior in the hostel. Delhi Police have registered a case against two students.

The KMC authorities received a complaint from a first-year B.Sc. student, Ashutosh, that he was ragged and sexually harassed by two third-year students – Akshay Chaudhary and Hani Mohammad – in the college hostel the day before.

The Supreme Court has asked educational institutions to observe zero tolerance towards ragging. During the past year, India witnessed 88 cases of ragging, of which 12 proved fatal.

GUWAHATI, Aug 15 – The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has warned the Centre and the State Government of a vigorous movement across the State unless a specific time frame is announced for implementation of the Assam Accord, which is completing its 24 years tomorrow. The student body – a party to the historic accord signed during the tenure of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi – is staging a hunger strike from 6 am of August 14 till the Tricolour is unfurled in government functions on August 15.

“Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and State Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi should announce a fixed timeframe and an action plan for implementation of the accord completely. It has now become the question of survival for the State and its people,” said AASU advisor Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharya.

“Identification of illegal Bangladeshis and their deportation, updating of the NRC, providing constitutional safeguards to the Assamese people, sealing the Indo-Bangladesh border, declaring Assam floods as a national calamity, generating employment opportunities for the unemployed youth and all other clauses of the accord should be implemented within a stipulated time. The governments should declare the time limit for the implementation, at the Independence Day function tomorrow,” he added.

Lambasting the State Government for not taking steps towards this, the AASU alleged that there is a vast difference between the promises and deeds of the State Government.

“It is an accord signed by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, but it seems that neither UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh nor Tarun Gogoi have any regard for the promises made by the former PM,” Bhattacharya said.

“Illegal intrusion and porous border are the problems threatening the very existence of the indigenous people, and the AASU would take every step to protect the interests of Assamese people,” he added.

Raising the issues of floods and security of the riverine borders, the student body said that no serious steps have been taken to solve these problems. Whereas other States are getting enough funds from the Central Government for natural calamities, the devastating floods in Assam are yet to get the Centre’s attention, mentioned AASU president Sankar Prasad Roy.

“The hunger strike is not a boycott of the national function, as we are going to hoist the flag at our Swahid Nyas in Guwahati. We are for the unity and integrity of the nation,” Bhattacharya added.

DIBRUGARH, Aug 15 – Acting sternly against the errant ten students who were accused of ragging, Dibrugarh University authorities on the basis of findings of the enquiry committee today officially announced the final punishment on the guilty students, including expulsions, and imposition of fines. The alleged students were earlier suspended temporarily from boarding in the University hostel and attending classes.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr KK Deka pronounced the punishment during a press conference held at the conference hall of the Administrative Building of the University. Members of the enquiry committee also faced the mediapersons during the press conference.

Considering the gravity of guilt of separate offenders of Padma Nath Gohain Baruah Boy’s Hostel of the University, punishment has been awarded in varying degrees. Madhav Kachari of Department of Commerce has been expelled from the University and simultaneously debarred from admission to any other institutions. He is also expelled from the hostel with immediate effect. Manash Pratim Gogoi of Department of History is expelled from the University for consecutive two semesters. A fine of Rs 10, 000 is also imposed on him besides being expelled from the hostel. Jitul Bora of Department of Sociology, Moon Deka of Centre for Computer Studies and Manash Rajkonwar of Department of Assamese have been expelled from the hostel and a fine of Rs 15,000 has been imposed on each of them. All fines have to be deposited within one month from the date of awarding punishment.

Likewise punishments on five students of the Department of Political Science were also announced today for their involvement in ragging in the Department. The errant students include Mintu Jyoti Kalita, Manoranjan Kalita, Lonee Dowerah, Minakshi Borah and Ranoj Pegu. A fine of Rs 20,000 has been imposed on each of the students and the same has to be paid within one month. Moreover, all scholarships, fellowships and other benefits if any would remain withheld. The five students of the Department have also been debarred from representing the University in any national or international meet, tournament and youth festivals etc.

The Vice Chancellor said that the exemplary punishment would serve as a lesson to all students indulging in such unruly activities. Anti ragging campaigns in different forms would be initiated in the University from the next session, Dr Deka stated.

Shillong, Aug 15 : Elections for the 2009-2011 office bearers of the Hmar Students Association, Shillong Jt Hqrs was held today at the EFCI Hall in Madanriting with a “good response” from the public.

"Over 150 people were present at the meeting specifically called for electing the office bearers," sources said.

The election was also conducted in a “cordial yet in responsive manner” under presiding officers Pu Hrangrolien Hrangkhawl (Hmar Inpui president), Pu Louis L Keivom (Hmar Inpui secretary) and Pu Neisel.

Former HSA president and NEICICDS chairman Pu Zarzosang Varte has been re-elected as president "unanimously" as "un-contested candidate". “However, other posts were up for grabs and many names were proposed for each of them,” our source said.

The election was followed by a banquet.

Following are the people elected, with their respective posts.

President: Pu Zarzosang Varte
Vice President: Tv Simon Infimate
Secretary: Tv Joseph Tuolor
Asst Secy: Tv James Mawia
Finance Secretary: Nk Lalawmpui Zote
Tressurer: Tv Vanlalmuon Pakhuongte

Ritesh K Srivastava

Ragging in educational institutions has always been a debatable subject, especially in our country. At regular intervals, the respective state governments and various bodies responsible for improving the state of education in India, have taken preventive measures and issued guidelines aimed at ending the menace of ragging. However, ragging still continues to afflict our Indian educational system and calls for some radical changes in the system.

It was not too long back that a 19-year-old medical student Aman Kachroo succumbed to death after being badly mauled by his seniors in a medical college located in Himachal Pradesh. Much hue and cry was raised over the legitimacy and the concept of ragging in Indian colleges after the shocking incident was covered by media.

Few months later, the issue is back in the spotlight, and this time a student has been at the receiving end in Delhi’s prestigious Kirori Mal College. Thankfully this time, the college authorities have acted swiftly and expelled those who ragged the complainant. Sending a strong message to those who seek malicious pleasure in ill-treating their juniors, the college administration also lodged a criminal complaint against two senior students in this case.

The Supreme Court also came down heavily on ragging in colleges and educational institutions after Aman Kachroo’s shocking death, and subsequently the Centre and the UGC issued strict anti-ragging laws.

A high-level committee, which probed the death of Kachroo, revealed that alcohol was the main reason leading to serious form of ragging and violence in the campus.

However, the frequent recurrence of ragging-related incidents reflects our inability to deal with the issue effectively. It is clear that the menace of ragging cannot be dealt just by enacting several tough legislations. It is something deep-rooted, and related to a student’s psychology, so a ragging victim will have to come forward for help.

The evil of ragging has been present in our colleges and higher institutions of learning from the very beginning, and we all have felt its presence in varying degrees.

The concept of ragging is fine if it is confined to general introduction so as to break away the barriers of hesitation and bridging the gap between the senior and junior students.

Unfortunately, the traditional practice of familiarising beginners with their seniors has now turned into a potent tool for ill-treating and punishing poor students if they fail to obey their seniors.

Those who surrender before their seniors are set free from the torment, but those who refuse to follow their diktats are forced to urinate on high voltage heaters, take part in naked parades, shave off their moustaches and beards, and stand upside down on their heads etc.

Under the pretext of fun, a poor student is often assaulted, stripped and intimidated by his seniors and this ritualised torture leaves an indelible impression on his mind. The chilling incident continues to haunt him throughout his life, and he unknowingly develops various psychological disorders.
Ritesh K Srivastava

Ragging in educational institutions has always been a debatable subject, especially in our country. At regular intervals, the respective state governments and various bodies responsible for improving the state of education in India, have taken preventive measures and issued guidelines aimed at ending the menace of ragging. However, ragging still continues to afflict our Indian educational system and calls for some radical changes in the system.

It was not too long back that a 19-year-old medical student Aman Kachroo succumbed to death after being badly mauled by his seniors in a medical college located in Himachal Pradesh. Much hue and cry was raised over the legitimacy and the concept of ragging in Indian colleges after the shocking incident was covered by media.

Few months later, the issue is back in the spotlight, and this time a student has been at the receiving end in Delhi’s prestigious Kirori Mal College. Thankfully this time, the college authorities have acted swiftly and expelled those who ragged the complainant. Sending a strong message to those who seek malicious pleasure in ill-treating their juniors, the college administration also lodged a criminal complaint against two senior students in this case.

The Supreme Court also came down heavily on ragging in colleges and educational institutions after Aman Kachroo’s shocking death, and subsequently the Centre and the UGC issued strict anti-ragging laws.

A high-level committee, which probed the death of Kachroo, revealed that alcohol was the main reason leading to serious form of ragging and violence in the campus.


However, the frequent recurrence of ragging-related incidents reflects our inability to deal with the issue effectively. It is clear that the menace of ragging cannot be dealt just by enacting several tough legislations. It is something deep-rooted, and related to a student’s psychology, so a ragging victim will have to come forward for help.

The evil of ragging has been present in our colleges and higher institutions of learning from the very beginning, and we all have felt its presence in varying degrees.

The concept of ragging is fine if it is confined to general introduction so as to break away the barriers of hesitation and bridging the gap between the senior and junior students.

Unfortunately, the traditional practice of familiarising beginners with their seniors has now turned into a potent tool for ill-treating and punishing poor students if they fail to obey their seniors.

Those who surrender before their seniors are set free from the torment, but those who refuse to follow their diktats are forced to urinate on high voltage heaters, take part in naked parades, shave off their moustaches and beards, and stand upside down on their heads etc.

Under the pretext of fun, a poor student is often assaulted, stripped and intimidated by his seniors and this ritualised torture leaves an indelible impression on his mind. The chilling incident continues to haunt him throughout his life, and he unknowingly develops various psychological disorders.

After experiencing the evil of ragging, a student develops a feeling of revenge for his ‘unjustified harassment’ and derives pleasure in ragging his juniors on his turn.

So the trend goes on and students continue to suffer.

The situation sometimes turns so bad that it compels the ragging victim to commit suicide. A section of students feel that light ragging should be allowed in educational institutions, while some are totally opposed to the idea and demand stricter punishment for those involved in it.

It is high time that the state governments must take adequate steps to ensure the effective implementation of the recommendations of RK Raghavan Committee. Educational institutions must now take the onus for preventing ragging themselves, failing which, the Centre should block all budgetary allocations to them.

Besides, anti-ragging squads and committees should be constituted at the district, State and central levels to monitor such incidents.

Educational institutions must take steps to ban consumption of liquor and drugs on college campus. The government must approve harsher penalty for those found guilty of ragging, and they must be immediately expelled from their respective schools and colleges.

The menace of ragging, which brings disgrace to the institutions of higher learning, can be eradicated by self-help, so it is imperative that the victims don’t hesitate, come forward and open up.

Guwahati: Guwahati University declared results of BA, B Com and BSc part 1 examinations 2009. Sdudents can reach their results at following site: www.gauhati.ac.in

Mumbai: The state governments' decision to make non-Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) board schools follow state board syllabus from class I to IV and introduce Marathi language as a compulsory subject is facing much wrath from international and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) schools.

Though, principals are bewildered with the decision, which they feel is being enforced on them without even consulting them, several others feel that it is not feasible to implement it.

"There is no logic behind such move and we have several foreign students studying with us. This decision will not benefit them," said Archana Singh, Principal, Cambridge School, Kandivali.

"There are several students enrolled in international schools, where parents have transferable jobs. Making Marathi compulsory for them is illogical as we will simply burden the child," she added.

Jose Kurien, Principal, DAV school, Nerul said, "The decision has come very abruptly. There are lots of things being introduced in haste without proper research, and we come to know about it only after it is being introduced."

"We did not get slightest of a hint of something like this. And why should we introduce this in the middle of an academic year?" he asked.

"It is pretty confusing to make Marathi as the second language. Usually, students take Hindi as the second language, which is the national language. If we teach Marathi, what about Hindi? Also, we follow a very well-researched curriculum in the ICSE board. Why do they want us to bring down to the state board level?" Carl Laurie, Principal, Christ Church School, said.

GUWAHATI, Aug 10 – A delegation of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), which had visited the conflict-ridden NC Hills district recently, today said that lack of initiative on the part of the State Government was perpetuating the violence and unrest in the area.

In a statement, the AASU said that interactions with both the Dimasas and the Zemes made it clear that there was no enmity as such between the two groups and both were in favour of lasting peace.

“But the Government virtually has no existence in the district, allowing the miscreants to have a free run,” it said, adding that the condition in the relief camps was also pathetic with shortage of food being a major problem.

Imphal, August 8 : Following a congenial discussion of the various issues it raised, the ATSUM has suspended the ongoing economic blockade from today.

Three advisors of ATSUM along with presidents of CDSU and ZSUM met the Chief Minister, Tribal Development Minister and RD and PR Minister at the CM's chamber at 3 pm today.

According to a press release issued by ATSUM, the meeting agreed that temporary building for running the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University and arrangement of necessary infrastructure and formal inauguration would be done before September 15 this year.

It was agreed that the Education Minister and the TD Minister would lead a joint team of Government and tribal student leaders to meet the HRD Minister at New Delhi on August 12 and apprise him of the plights of tribal students in Manipur University.

The Chief Minister assured that rules for the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Services (for SC a& ST) Act 2007 would be passed in the next Cabinet meeting.

The State Government also agreed to intervene on the issue raised by ATSUM with regard to the recruitment conducted by the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat and see that reservation norms are followed properly.

Regarding recruitment under MSRRDA, the RD and PR Commissioner said that the present recruitment was done to formally approve those employees who were already working in different districts on contract basis and not for fresh candidates.

On diversion of funds meant for hill areas in Health Department, the Commissioner claimed that 'there was no diversion of funds meant for construction of health centres and institutions in the hill districts'.

Conveying gratitude to all those who stood by ATSUM during the course of its agitation, ATSUM intimated all those individuals and parties who need to settle certain matters to approach its office within seven days.

Churachandpur, Aug 8 : Churachandpur is all set to witness a highly charged 'mass rally' against the deployment of Commandos and IRBs on Tuesday with Churachandpur District Students' Union (CSDU) maintaining that it has been compelled to do so considering the past experiences and records of the Police Commandos and IRB in valley districts, reports our correspondent.

On 6 August, a joint meeting of CDSU's parent bodies viz Chin Students Association, Hmar Students Association, Khangthah Zuun Pawl, Komrem Students' Union, Mizo Zirlai Pawl, Siamsinpawlpi, Thadou-Kuki Students' Union, Zillai and Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi has unanimously accepted that deployment of Commandos and IRBs in hill districts on the ground of law and order will not serve any purpose but invite more trouble which would be detrimental to the existing serenity.

The proposed rally was an outcome of the collective view, and according to an inside source, it has even been dubbed as 'mother-of-all-rally'.

Appealing on all civil societies and organizations and all peace loving citizens to join the mass rally on 11 August, CDSU General Secretary Lalkhohau said, the rally would be an attempt to rein the existing peace and security for the welfare of the people and for the future.

The CDSU as well as Zomi Human Rights Foundation today condemn the BT Road fake encounter and assured that it will extend support to any form of democratic agitation launched by civil societies of the state in this regard.

A statement of condemnation issued by ZHRF said even though security personnel were an important organ of the government they were still duty bound in a welfare state as was envisage by the constitution.

Guwahati, Aug 5 : The All Assam Students’ Union and the Takam Missing Porin Kebang, an apex body of Mising students, today announced a joint movement against Dispur and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation for ignoring the interim report of a five-member expert committee on the Lower Subansiri hydroelectric project.

The project is being executed by the power corporation at Gerukamukh village in Dhemaji along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border to generate 2,000MW electricity.

After a daylong meeting between AASU and the Mising students’ union, AASU adviser Sammujjal Bhattacharyya told the media that the expert committee had expressed apprehension and doubt about adverse downstream impact of the Lower Subansiri project.

He said the committee had recommended that work for the project be stopped till the final report was out.

The committee with experts from Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University and IIT Guwahati was formed following a tripartite meeting between the state government, the NHPC and the AASU in December 2006.

“The expert committee had submitted its report to the Assam government and the NHPC in February this year. But till now construction of the Lower Subansiri dam has not been stopped. It is surprising why the NHPC is now not following the interim report’s recommendation and suggestion,” Bhattacharyya said.

“The Assam government is a mute spectator. The AASU and the TMPK have smelt a rat and there is big conspiracy behind the construction of the Lower Subansiri dam.”

As part of the first phase of stir the AASU and the Mising students will stage satyagraha in all district headquarters in the state on August 18, demanding an immediate halt to execution of the project.

The president of TMPK, Johan Doley, said Lakhimpur district had already started witnessing the adverse impacts of Ronganadi hydel power project.

Artificial floods caused by release of excess water from the Ronganadi dam was submerging large areas in the district, including Lakhimpur town.

“The next phase of our agitation will be submission of a joint memoranda by the AASU and the TMPK to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union power minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Assam chief minister Taun Gogoi and power minister demanding strict actions against the NHPC if it does not follow the interim report of expert committee,” Doley said

Mumbai, 2nd Aug  : CRY – Child Rights and You, invites applications from researchers in exploring child rights. 10 applicants will be selected from all over India, for grants between Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 100,000.

The National Child Rights Research Fellowships were started to encourage new findings on why children are deprived of their rights and ways in which rights may be guaranteed. “We find that on the one hand, the Constitution of India redefines the state-citizen relationship in terms of rights and duties. But on the other hand, how these rights and duties are interpreted is not always in terms of the best interest of the child,” says Dipankar Majumder- Director, CRY.

“In the last six decades, children have been part of nation building and have also faced the brunt of the development path taken. This gives scope for in-depth studies on how children form their identities?

How are their childhoods experienced in a society where the role of family, community, economy and the state is ever-changing?

The CRY research fellowships encourage original ideas, non conventional approaches and seek creative methodologies to explore this area. From the insights and information that researchers will share, we hope to learn more about the interplay of culture, tradition, law, ethics and policy in defining the best interest principle,” he explains.