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08/22/2005: "Naga rally in Kohima for reunification on Aug 31"

Naga rally in Kohima on Aug 31 IMPHAL FREE PRESS
DIMAPUR, Aug 21: Leading Naga social organisations have resolved to hold a "Naga Integration Rally" in Kohima on August 31. The Naga Hoho, the Naga Students Federation, Naga Mothers Association and Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights have resolved that the Naga Integration Rally be held saying that the unification of all Naga areas must be the foundation of any negotiated settlement. Meanwhile, the Karbi Anglong (Assam) based United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) has urged individuals to verify the authenticity of any land/patta/permit before purchasing or striking any deal of land at Lengri Tea Estate along Assam-Nagaland border in order to avoid complications in future.
The UPDS made this appeal through a press release issued by its joint secretary (home), L. Ranghang, following reports that many individuals were purchasing land along Assam-Nagaland border areas, especially at Lengri Tea Estate, without verifying the authenticity of land/patta/permit.
The Karbi Anglong based outfit took strong exception to reports that some settlers and officials of the Lengri Tea Estate were negotiating for transfer of land to individuals and directed them to immediately stop such activities failing which, it warned, 'stern penalty' would be imposed on them.

Blast condemned: In a separate press release, the UPDS (Ceasefire) expressed strong condemnation over the August 17 bomb blast in Diphu, Karbi Anglong, in which seventeen persons were seriously injured.' This kind of barbaric act is an act of terrorism which the present world is fighting against. This is an act against humanity', the release said adding any problem or differences could be settled only through negotiations. The UPDS said it would leave no stone unturned in tracing those who were behind the blast and give them punishment.

ANSAM likely to start agitation any time after Aug 23 IMPHAL FREE PRESS
Senapati, Aug-21: While the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has asked all its volunteers to remain alert as it is all set to announce anytime the re-launching of its indefinte non-cooperation movement against the state government, the Naga student body has asked transporters and passengers to come and collect their goods/materials from the student body which had been seized during the peak of the agitation. ANSAM spokesman Ngachonmi Chamroy has said that the goods/materials should be collected at the respective places where they had been confiscated.
The spokesman also said that goods/materials should be colleted by the respective owners before 6 pm of August 23. This announcement of the ANSAM has more than enough indicated that its non-cooperation movement would be relaunched anytime after August 23.

SC issues notice on Manipur blockade NDTV Correspondent Monday, August 22, 2005 (New Delhi):
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Central government and the government of Manipur over an economic blockade of the northeastern state.
The notices were issued on a Public Interest Litigation, demanding an end to blockade in the state.
The All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) barricaded two National Highways on June 19, in protest against the Manipur government's decision to observe June 18 as state integration day.
Contentious issue
This was the day when the Central government in 2001 decided to extend the ceasefire with the NSCN (IM) beyond Nagaland into areas in Manipur. The two highways are the main supply routes to the state. The ANSAM decided to lift the blockade when it started causing hardships to the people.
But ANSAM has one again threatened to enforce the blockade unless talks are held with the Manipur government. The Nagas are demanding that Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur be integrated with Nagaland. (With PTI inputs)
NSCN-K talks in Delhi with no formal agenda for peace New Kerala
Kohima: A Naga tribal separatist group Monday said it would not hold formal peace talks with New Delhi until the central government resolves the issue with a rival faction with which negotiations were on. The S.S. Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-K) had entered into a ceasefire with the Indian government in 2001 although formal talks are yet to begin. A group of NSCN-K leaders will Monday meet senior home ministry officials in New Delhi to prepare ceasefire ground rules and to have a new government-appointed 'chief' of the Ceasefire Supervisory Board.

"The present chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Ramesh Kulkarni is openly supporting the NSCN-IM and so we want a separate chief to monitor the ceasefire with us," Kughalo Mulatono, a leader of the NSCN-K, told IANS over the phone from somewhere in Nagaland. "During the meeting we shall be asking the home ministry officials to let us know the status of the talks with the NSCN-IM as the outcome of the negotiations was not transparent."
The three-member NSCN-K team is being led by C. Singson, the outfit's self-styled external affairs minister, while Rajiv Agarwal, special secretary in the home ministry looking after the northeast, will lead the government side.
"We are not interested in starting political negotiations as we want the Indian government to first settle issues with the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN," the rebel leader said. The two NSCN factions are waging a bitter turf war for territorial supremacy in Nagaland since they split in 1988. The NSCN-IM had entered into a ceasefire with New Delhi in 1997 and the two sides are currently holding talks although the negotiations are currently deadlocked over the rebel group's demand for unification of all Naga tribal inhabited areas in the northeast. "There is no point in starting the talks as the Indian government after eight years of negotiations with the NSCN-IM is yet to come to any solution. We want the talks with the NSCN-IM come to an end," Mulatonu said.

CM back after Delhi mission June 18 is a State subject, solve it: PM to CM Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 21: Chief Minister O Ibobi who was in Delhi for the last few days to apprise the Central leaders of the situation arising out of the economic blockade imposed by ANSAM returned to Imphal today after meeting the Prime Minister, AICC chief Sonia Gandhi and the Union Home Minister. During an exclusive chat with The Sangai Express at his official bungalow today evening, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister advised the State Government to resolve the matter at the soonest possible. "The Prime Minister told me that since the blockade involves an issue which is a State subject the Centre has no business to interfere.

His advice was to resolve the matter soon in the interest of the people," said the Chief Minister. The Prime Minister also indicated that he may visit Manipur in October this year, informed the Chief Minister and added that since it was the Prime Minister himself who handed over Kangla to the people Manipur and laid the foundation stone of the capitol complex, he wants to come here and review the work progress of the capitol project as well as the beautification drive at Kangla. On the development of NH-53, the Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister assured to release all the required funds, once the State Government submits the relevant proposal.

“The Prime Minister assured that fund will not be a problem," added Ibobi. "I was also assured that the Government of Nagaland will be advised by New Delhi to provide adequate protection to the trucks bound for Imphal on the NH-39 stretch that passes through the State," said the Chief Minister further. On his meeting with AICC president Sonia Gandhi; the Chief Minister said he gave a detailed report on the June 18 declaration and explained that this date has been observed as a State holiday from 2002. Sonia Gandhi also advised the Chief Minister to resolve the matter soon as it is a State subject.

ANSAM to free confiscated goods Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 21: The spokesman of All Naga Students' Association Manipur, Ngachonmi Chamroy has informed that all the goods that were dragged down from vehicles during the economic blockade by ANSAM supporters are lying intact. Speaking to The Sangai Express Chamroy said all the owners may collect their goods from ihe respective places where they were confiscated by 6 pm of August 23, failing which the student body will bear no responsibility for any damage or loss of the goods. Meanwhile, president of ANSAM, Paul Langhu informed The Sangai Express that the State Govt has not yet reciprocated to the gesture shown by ANSAM and warned that the student body may be constrained to re-impose the economic blockade.
Towards this end ANSAM has asked all its volunteers to remain alert as it is all set to announce the re-imposition of its indefinite non-cooperation movement against the State Government anytime now. The deadline of August 23 set for the goods owners to claim their possession is indicative that the non co-operation movement may be re-imposed anytime after August 23. According to another source, ANSAM refused to the proposal to hold a talk with a Ministerial team on August 18 at Senapati as no solution can be worked out without the Chief Minister.
The student body suspended its economic blockade on August 11 following intimations from the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to a delegate of the Naga Hoho. Apart from the intimations from the Centre, the decision of the student body to call off the blockade was taken in the backdrop of the immense hardships faced by the common people. ANSAM had launched the agitation to protest the declaration of June 18 as State Integrity and State holiday. The student body had demanded that the Chief Minister roll back the decision before any talk is held. A condition was also set by the student body that any talk with the Government should be held outside Imphal at any of the four hill districts of Chandel, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. Earlier a Ministerial team had met the student body at Senapati.
NISC questions GoI’s sincerity Morung Express News
Dimapur: The Naga International Support Center (NISC) based in Amsterdam has called on the Government of India to withdraw its troops from all Naga areas, stop funding divergent forces and promote peace in the region by entering into an agreement that guarantees the Nagas the right to self determination. The NISC has declared through a press release that unless the Government of India, representing all Indians, has a public policy to achieve peace in Nagaland, there is no plan for such peace. The center has further reminded of media reports in 1995 wherein military generals had advised the Government of India, "The war can only be won with the annihilation of the Nagas." According to the NISC, the honourable solution sought by both the Nagas and the GoI is in direct contrast to this unwritten plan of genocide and annihilation proposed by the Indian military in 1995. In this context, the NISC has questioned, "Can the decade of good intentions to achieve a peaceful solution of the Indo-Naga conflict by the Government of India be taken seriously?"
Law and order under control: Naga CM NET News Network
Kohima, Aug 21:The Home Minister, Thenucho and the Chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio has reiterated that the law and order situation in the State has been brought under control since the DAN Government had taken over the reigns of the State Government. Giving the reply to the allegation of the opposition bench that the law and order situation in the State is not as good as made out to be by the Government on the floor of the House today, both the Chief Minister and the Home Minister cited several events, facts and figures to negate the allegations and stress how the situation in the State is now normal with developmental activities taking place everywhere. Rio stated that the Nagaland’s problem is unique which even National leaders and former Prime Ministers like Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee have accepted and declared publicly during their visits to the State. He however admitted that killings and armed clashes occasionally take place in the State, but pointed out that these are political in nature rather than mere law and order problems.
He also lamented that such incidents are taking place in spite of the appeals from the Government and Civil Societies to desist from such self-destructive killings. The Chief Minister further announced that the Consultative Committee on Peace is also contacting the various groups and factions to bring them together and maintain brotherly and cordial relationship. Neiphu also cited the unprecedented response of the people in the celebration of the just held Independence Day all over the State as an indicator of the peaceful atmosphere in the State. Earlier, the State Home Minister, Thenucho also cited the many instances of killings and intimations even in the capital Kohima and district headquarters a few years back, saying that compared to those black days the situation today is normal.
North East insurgents may quit Dhaka By: Rajesh Das Guwahati, Aug 22: Bangladesh could shortly ask North East insurgent groups to shift their base from Dhaka to the borders of the country, exiting all cities and towns, but they may be permitted to remain in the country. This is one of the recommendations of Bangladesh’s national security intelligence agency in a report submitted to government, which also says that Islamic militants often use operational logistics provided by Indian insurgent groups. The agency says this relationship poses a threat to Bangladesh. While Indian outfits often rely on Bangladeshi extremists for arms and armed training, Bangladeshi militants depend on Indian insurgents for money and operational assistance. So far, Bangladeshi security agencies were tolerating their relationship, since both sides met their requirements for anti-India activity, but after the four hundred serial blasts last week, they are alerted to the dangers of Indian and Bangladeshi extremists coming together. Therefore, Indian insurgent outfits could be asked to vacate Dhaka, and it is likely they will be pushed to the border areas of Bangladesh, and security agencies may also put restrictions on their movements within the country. Bangladeshi security agencies have also reported the misuse of mosques by extremists, not only for storing explosives and providing shelter, but also as a rallying place for anti-government activity, and henceforth, Friday prayer meetings will be closely monitored.
Non merit vs merit in Nagaland TOP DRAW Limatemjen Morung Express
Merit is the criteria for any competitive examination and on the basis of merit, selections are done on former. Quality manifest effectiveness and efficiency, but off late the state seems to be in deep sleep as it has failed to come out with a comprehensive policy towards appointments of lecturers to higher education. It is imperative to come with a policy, on appointment of lecturers so that quality of education is not compromise with quantity at any cost. However there are instances in various departments, under Nagaland University, where large scale appointments are done through informal relationships and without proper conduct of written examination. Such characteristic is very much visible in the state university, the rule of procedure is in total collapse and appointment is done mere on marks and interviews, such irrational policy of selecting the candidates sends a wrong order of precedence to other departments. It is indeed a serious matter that needs quick response and remedies for meet quality education in Nagaland.
Lecturer’s appointments to higher education needs a serious revamp of policy to meet future challenges and goals and to upgrade the quality of education but state seems to be acting in a very despotic manner, where people are not given enough of opportunity to proof their caliber, and large sections of people are deprived of their rights and opportunity. The state, so talked of "Good Governance" seems to be contradicting itself! The problem lies, with the lack of comprehensive policy on conduct of examination for such post. I would like to remind to the state, that as per the Honorable Supreme Court order; even PhD holders have to pass the NET (National Eligibility Test) exam which is conducted at the All India Level to be eligible for appointment as lecturer. Notification dated July 31, 2002 UGC said that, "NET shall remain the compulsory requirement for appointment as a lecturer even for candidates having a PhD degree, however, the candidates who has completed M.phil by 31december 1993 and has submitted PhD thesis to the university in the concerned subject on or before 31 December 2002 will be exempted from appearing in the NET examination in such cases, candidates who fail to obtain their PhD degree, they shall have to pass the net examination".
The guidelines clearly mentioned that all appointment should be done on the basis of NET, but strangely the state government is failing to follow this guideline, as most of the lecturers in their respective departments are teaching without clearing the NET, so their caliber is highly questionable?. As the basic notion should be not to compromise on "quality to higher education", there are large numbers of unreported cases where lecturers are without NET qualification. Another area that needs to refocus is the selections of candidates were and are done on marks and this clearly compromise on quality of candidates. Such irrational decision by the government is very disturbing! My argument is, how can you judge a person only by mere marks and interview? So it mandatory for the Nagaland University headed by vice chancellor to look upon the matter seriously and come to a consensus soon before higher education comes to a total collapse. It must be noted that our country does not have a uniform grading system at all levels Schools, Colleges or post graduate level so the present selections of candidates for lecturers is very irrational, secondly it must be noted that as compare to north Southern states are know for their liberal marking system that even a mediocre students touch the Heaven, so "Marks" is the very basic criteria, for appointment of lecturers to higher education, so the question is? Who is more qualified? Nobody knows the answer!!
The answer lies for an "Open field Competition" so that quality candidates are appointed but it seems to be in a reverse way, where candidates without NET are being appointed in most of the department which the Nagaland University is clearly violating, the University Grant Commission (UGC) norms, which has been prescribed to all the university in India. There is lack of accountability and transparency as large sections of candidates are at the mercy of Nagaland university autocratic policy of elitism, they should realizes that they are sections of people in the society where they wait for such opportunity to aspire their dreams in teaching profession but such irrational policy has been at large and finally aspirants pays the brunt. Here are some of the recommendations that would create a uniform system for appointments of lecturers to higher education:
1) There should a common entrance test for appointment of lectures for any higher education, and the pattern should be of descriptive in nature of their respective subjects, minimum eligibility should be of 50% as at all India level minimum qualification is 50% for ST/SC and OBC. 2) NET should be the basic requirement for any appointment in higher education, as the exam is conducted at all India level, if appointment is done for other reasons it should be on ad-hoc basis, until they clear the NET examination. It is not merely for the sack of getting job but whether you are passionate about the subject and art of teaching. 3) New departments such as Mass Communication which was recently opened, needs to maintain quality control on the teaching faculty as there are such appointments where candidates without NET certificate are being appointed. Such blunt appointment deteriorates the quality of teaching and these are more professional jobs which needs professional experiences. Quality should not be compromise at any cost.
I believe, that such steps would enhances transparency and effectiveness in quality of lecturers, it must be realized that competition adds to quality of higher education. At the end of the day, there should be clear procedure of law, as all rules are guided by law and no one is above "the rule of law". Political interference on appointments should not be tolerated at any cost and higher education should be of quality to meet global level if not at all India level. Who would want to be taught by an unqualified lecturer, who has failed to clear the basic criteria of passing the NET? Not ME!! And any right thinking students would think likewise, nevertheless let’s hope on a positive note, that the state of machinery, realize these issues that, concerns every citizens in the state and it wake’s up from its sleep of incompetence, irrationality and sensitivity. The writer is an MA (Political Science), New Delhi
Opposition BJP demands Apang’s resignation Assam Tribune
ITANAGAR, Aug 21 – Opposition BJP in Arunachal Pradesh has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Gegong Apang on moral ground in connection with the news items carried in some Assam newspapers alleging his involvement in a multi crore public distribution system scam and that he was “patronizing” militant organisations. Addressing a press conference here, BJP state unit president Bosiram Siram and Leader of Opposition Kameng Dolo said “those news papers are not owned by the BJP and when there is smoke there must be some fire.”
They alleged that the Chief Minister remained silent on the demand for greater Nagaland of the NSCN(IM) which sought to include two Arunachal districts - Tirap and Changlang - in it. Refering to Apang’s recent statement alleging conspiracy against him by BJP in connivance with some dissident Congressmen in preparing a memorandum addressed to the President with fake documents, the BJP leaders denied the party’s involvement in it and said because of his wrong policy Apang was facing revolt from his own party lagislators. However, as a responsible opposition party BJP would continue to oppose his wrong policies as it had affected the financial health of the state seriously.
Giving example they said when NCERT books were available in plenty, private publishers were given orders to supply books in the state without any transpareant policy. The students were suffering as the private parties could not yet supply books which were also found to contain wrong information. Similarly, sub-standard medicines were also dumped in district headquarters. –PTI

Two striking tea workers die of starvation’ Assam Tribune
AGARTALA, Aug 21– Leader of the Opposition in Tripura Ratan Lal Nath today alleged that two striking tea workers of state-owned estates have died of starvation at Sidhai in West Tripura district. In a press statement issued here, Nath claimed Krishna Bhim of Laxmilunga tea estate died on August 15 and Lalu Orang of Tufanialunga died on August 19 due to starvation. A delegation of opposition Congress led by Nath had visited Sidhai yesterday to see the condition of the agitating tea labourers. Tea workers of Kalacherra, Mohanpur, Laxmilunga and Tufanialunga tea estates were on an indefinite strike since August 8 to press for their ten-point charter of demands. They are demanding that the State Government should not hand over the tea gardens to the tea workers without creating resources, plant at least one lakh seedlings in each garden every year and sensitise the labourers about cooperative system before handing over the gardens to them.

The Leader of the Opposition alleged that earlier these gardens were privately owned but the owners deserted them in 1986 following which the government took control. But recently the Tea Development Corporation Ltd, a public sector undertaking, had announced that the labourers themselves have to own the gardens because the government was incurring a heavy loss in running them, Nath said. Nath supported the demands of the agitating tea workers and also urged the government to rush medical teams to the tea gardens. –PTI
Tension prevails over ban on Bodo dress NET News Network
Kokrajhar, Aug 21: Tension run high in the Surupeta BHB College in Barpeta district following the college authority banning the entry of Bodo students wearing the traditional Bodo ‘Dokhna’ dress in the college premises. The Bodo students wearing the permitted colour Dokhna on Saturday were not allowed to enter in the college premises. Tension started when the college authority introduced ‘churidar or ‘salwar kamij’ as the uniform for the girl’s students beginning this academic year which the Bodo students refused. The college union bodies started boycotting the classes when the Bodo students refused to obey the dress code and continue attending the class wearing dokhna. The Bodo students alleged that they were warned by the principal of expel from the college and of giving forceful transfer certificate if they do not come wearing churidar.
The college authority when contacted refutes the allegation saying the students were just requested to obey the order for peaceful atmosphere. ‘There was no warning as such. It was just a request, the authority said. Different Bodo organization including the influential All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU), Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) and All Bodo Women Welfare Federation (ABWWF) has expressed serious concern and anguish over the issue saying its humiliating that the Bodo girls students are not allowed to wear the traditional dress Dokhna even though they put the same colour the college authority has adopted. In a press release the ABSU said in a state like Assam with diverse ethnic group colour should be the basis of uniform but not the dress. “The ABSU has nothing to say about the colour uniform but lawfully it would strongly oppose the senseless decision of the college authority for adopting the churidar as the only option for uniform dress”, the release stated.
“Churidar is not the dress of the Bodos and it cannot be the dress of Assamese people either”, added ABSU secretary Goutam Mushahary. “We have got full right to preserve our own culture, custom, language and tradition as being the indigenous community. If we cannot have the right to protect and preserve our own culture in our own state then where lies the meaning of freedom and respect of indigenous tribal culture”, the release stated. The Bodo organizations has appealed the college authority to think consciously, carefully and farsightedly ‘if they are really concern about Assam in particular and tribal culture in general. The organization has also urged the Assamese intellectuals including the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Assam Sahitya Sabha to come up with helping hands and give a meaningful thought for peaceful solution of the problem and for peaceful future of Assam.
ABSU warns of retaliation, says dokhna would be made compulsory in BTC
ABSU-college in dress row From our Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Aug 21: The ABSU has expressed its deep anguish and humiliation over reports that Bodo girls have been refused permission to wear their traditional dress — dokhna — despite colours matching that prescribed by the authorities of BHB College, Sarupeta in Barpeta district. The general secretary of the ABSU Gautam Mashahary, in a press release, has asked the college authority and the government to respect the sentiments and culture of the Bodo society and to allow the Bodo girl students to wear dokhna to their college. The ABSU felt that it was important to nip the problem in the bud lest it might take a turn for the worse. The ABSU cautioned the College authority of grave consequences if it persisted with their rigid stand. However, the ABSU has aksed the College to be flexible in its approach towards what they termed as a ‘sentimental issue’.
The ABSU also appealed to the college authority to think in terms of respect to the Assamese culture in particular and the tribal culture in general. The release said that the college authority had recently decided to introduce salwar kameez as compulsory dress for girls. Despite repeated request for a flexible approach to the Bodo girls on the issue, and submission of memorandum to the college and district authorities, no solution could be arrived at, the release added. Even, the Bodo girls wearing dokhna with permitted colour were also prevented to enter the college campus on August 20. They were in fact warned by the principal of the college to comply with the college order or to take transfer certificates. The ABSU has condemned this insulting and humiliating behaviour of the principal.
Mashahary said that salwar kameez in no way represented the greater Assamese culture and hence cannot be made compulsory. The ABSU said that it was of the view that in Assam colour should be the basis of uniform but not the dress. He also cited example from Cotton College and Handique College in Guwahati where authorities have refrained from enforcing dress code. The ABSU said uniform in schools is a matter of discipline but should not be imposed in College. It said that the freedom of college students must be protected and respected. It said that the Bodos have a constitutional right to protect and preserve their own culture and tradition and added that "exploitation" and "oppression" of the cultural coexistence of the State would not be tolerated.The ABSU has also warned of retaliation by making dokhna compulsory in BTC area.
I'll not apologise on fake letter case: AGP chief Zafri Mudasser Nofil, Indo-Asian News Service New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) president Brindaban Goswami Monday ruled out an apology as demanded by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), saying he was in no way involved in the letter that incriminated three Congress ministers. ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa had Saturday accused Goswami of masterminding a missive to the outfit, stating that three Congress ministers of Assam - Gautam Roy, Anjan Dutta and Himanta Biswa Sarma - had agreed to pay Rs.500,000 each to the group per month. It also demanded a public apology from Goswami saying that his political career would be in doldrums if he failed to do so. Goswami has denied the charges and said the whole episode was nothing but a 'dirty ploy' adopted by the Congress to tarnish his image. 'The mastermind of the letter was Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) secretary M.H. Choudhury who had even confessed to me that he had done so. He had become secretary by forging letters of support from MPs,' Goswami alleged.
'How can I be involved when I on behalf of my party raised the issue in the assembly? This is nothing but a game by the Congress. 'After the letter created a furore in the assembly, the Congress acted innocent by saying on the floor of the house that it was fake and should not be entertained,' Goswami told IANS. 'Now with Choudhury confessing, the veil over the controversy has been lifted,' he asserted. Regarding ULFA's threat that he would meet the same fate as former chief minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, whose political career nose-dived after allegations that he had masterminded secret killings in the state, Goswami said: 'There is no question of apology as I am in no way involved in the case.'
'I'll always remain a faithful soldier of my party and continue fighting for the people's movement.'
The Congress has, meanwhile, denied involvement of any of its members in the case. Tourism and Cooperation Minister Misbahul Islam Laskar said Goswami had been cornered and there was no way he could prove his innocence. 'Goswami's pseudo-regionalism image has certainly received a setback as people have come to know of his actual intentions,' Laskar told IANS. He said the Congress had issued a show-cause notice to Choudhury to which the latter had replied and later stepped down from his APCC post.
New Muslim front ahead of Assam polls Morung express
Guwahati, August 21 (IANS): Prominent Muslim groups in Assam led by the Jamiat Ulema and Jamat-e-Islami have decided to join forces against the ruling Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in next year’s assembly polls. A group of 12 Muslim organizations wants to provide a new front to fight for the rights of the community in the wake of the Supreme Court decision to repeal the controversial Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunals) Act. "The main aim of the front will be to narrow the gap between the majority and minority communities and to work for communal harmony in Assam," Muslim leader Hafiz Rashid Ahmed Choudhury told IANS. The name of the new front is yet to be formally announced. The consolidation of Muslim groups could make a significant impact, given that Muslims comprise 30 percent of Assam’s 26 million populations and hold the key in at least 40 of the total 126 assembly seats. "The Congress betrayed the minorities by allowing the repeal of IMDT Act, and BJP has always been the enemy of minorities," said Badruddin Azmal, president of the Assam chapter of the Jamiat Ulema. Leaders of the new front said religious and linguistic minorities in Assam were facing harassment from authorities in the name of identifying illegal migrants from Bangladeshi under the Foreigners Act that has replaced IMDT Act. "We cannot afford to loose the support of Muslims and other minorities," an Assam Congress leader admitted. The state government has called for amendments in the Foreigners Act to prevent the harassment of innocents. A group of Bengali-speaking and Muslim legislators and ministers from Assam have been camping in New Delhi to press for amendments in the Foreigners Act.