The Guwahati based journalist and a regular contributor to 'Assam Times', Nava Thakuria has been awarded with the first media fellowship on refugee issues sponsored by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research (C-NES). The Fellowship with the theme, 'The Chins of Myanmar: Refugee Life in a Distant Neighbour', with a focus on Protection and Durable Solutions for the Chin ethnic group from Western Myanmar, which lives in challenging conditions in the Northeast as well as in New Delhi starts from 1 March to 31 May.
The announcement was made by a Committee comprising Mr. Sanjoy Hazarika, C-NES Managing Trustee, journalist and editor, Ms. Pamela Philipose, Independent Journalist and Ms. Nayana Bose of the UNHCR on February 15 last. The awardee Mr Thakuria has written extensively on issues related to Burma (Myanmar). Thakuria is a regular contributor to many acclaimed newspaper and portals based in Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, Dhaka, Hong Kong, Seoul, London and California and his special areas of interest include socio-political developments in Northeast India with Burma, Bhutan and Bangladesh
It may be mentioned that Mizoram, a Burma bordering Northeast Indian state gives shelter to nearly 40,000 Chin refugees. Those Burmese citizens fled their country to get rid of the atrocities of the present regime named State Peace and Development Council. Led by the Senior General Than Shwe, the SPDC is identified as one of the worst human rights violators in the globe.
The refugees started fleeing Burma after the 1988 uprising for restoration of democracy in the land of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Thousand of Burmese have already sacrificed their precious lives supporting the pro-democracy movement led by the Great Lady. Many of them left Burma to live an exile live in its neighbouring Thailand, India, Bangladesh and many other countries around the globe.
"The effort is to build capacity and better understanding among journalists interested in refugee issues, especially at the middle-level, but also to publish their findings and observations extensively in the Indian media," said Sanjoy Hazarika, Managing Trustee of C-NES. It is an opportunity for the journalist to look at issues relating to refugee movements into the country, the condition of refugees, the problems of mixed migration (refugee movements combined with economic/environmental international migrants).
Carol Batchelor, Chief of Mission, UNHCR India, while mentioning the fellowship to study the refugee issue said, "It is hoped that through this opportunity for an in-depth review of refugee issues, journalists will be strengthened in their efforts to inform public opinion." There are two other fellowships, applications for which are welcome, one on "The need for a refugee specific legislation in India" (to be announced in May 2008) and another on Sri Lankan refugees (to be announced in August 2008). The programme is aimed to research and write on the issue comprising the protection and durable solution of the refugee problem.
A.K Absar Hazarika, President of Guwahati Cine Club, Aribam Shyam Sharma, noted Film director, Eminent Bollywood actress Seema Biswas, Eminent film director Girish Kasaravali and other dignitaries seen during the inaugural function of Guwahati Film Festival on 01-02-08 evening at Rabindra Bhawan, Guwahati. Pix by UB Photos.
Union minister for DONER, panchayat, sports and youth welfare Mani Shankar Aiyar has lamented the lack of audience in the North East Games at Sarusajai on Friday while he was visiting the sports complex. During his visit, Mr Aiyer hoped that the north eastern region will produce more and more sports stars. During his visit, the Union minister enjoyed events of the North Easat Games and termed the North East as the birth place of sports stars. He observed that the fund from the Centre to uplift the front has not reached the sports talents. A set of policy should be there to bring the rural boys and girls to the field of sports, he said.
A devastating fire broke out the Bengali Girls’High School in city’s Pltanbazar area on Thursday in the afternoon. According to information, the authorities have yet to ascertain the cause behind the fire but has initially estimated that it has ravaged property worth one crore. Fire brigade was pressed into service to bring the situation under control. It took 2 hours to douse the fire. Details are awaited.
The ruling party which have majority in altogether 15 districts out of 19 which have gone to panchayat polls. Besides preparing to form zilla parishads in 15 districts, the Congress have majority in block level and gaon panchayats in these districts. The party has swept Darrang, Sonitpur, North Lakhimpur,Sivasagar, Jorhat, Tinsukia,Golaghat, Nagaon,Morogaon, Kamrup metro, Kamrup rural,Karimganj and Dhubri districts. The Asom Gana Parishad too is set to form zila parishads in Dhemaji and Bongaigaon But no single party has emerged to form zila parishads alone in Nalbari and Barpeta. On the other had, counting of votes are at a snail’s pace in Cachar district of Barak valley.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday has said Arunachal Pradesh is in the need of a set of strategies for overall development of the state. Addressing a mammoth gathering at the Indira Gandhi Park during his trip the Prime Minister announced some development projects for the state worth Rs 8000 crores including a new rail link, micro hydro projects and grid based power project to cover all border villages. He announced that the north eastern state will get a new greenfield airport in Itanagar besides airports at Passi Ghat, Along, Daporijo, Ziro and Tizu. Dr Singh said the Defence Ministry would also upgrade infrastructure at several areas including Pasi Ghat and Vijai Nagar. A trans-...
An accidental firing rattled Itanagar early in the morning on Tursday. That too before the prime Minister’s maiden visit to the land of rising sun. According to information, a policeman on duty to guard a road through which Prime Minister motorcade was to pass, accidentally fired a bullet injuring a labourer. The injured labourer was being taken to the Guwahati hospital by the Chief Minister's helicopter.The the bullet went off accidentally from the service revolver of an Indian Reserve Battalion constable while he was posted near the Indira Gandhi Park, the venue where the Prime Minister is scheduled to address a public meeting.
Assam observes Me-dam-me-fi on Thursday to offer puja the Ahom ancestors with much religious fervour. Several functions are being organised to mark the occasion across the state. In Guwahati, people are offering pujas to the Ahome ancestors with a series of cultural programmes.
Despite a mammoth security arrangement before the Prime Minister’s visit to Itanagar, a shoot out incident has rattled the state capital on Thursday morning. The firing incident that took place early in the morning near the venue for function to be attended by the Prime Minister left one injured who has been rushed to Guwahati by the Chief minister’s helicopter. Top ranked police and civil officials are on the spot to monitor the situation. Investigation is going on.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is arriving in Itanagar on a two day visit to Arunachal on Thursday. During his visit, Dr Singh is schedule to lay the cornerstone of a number of major projects. Of this, the major one will be the 3,000 MW Debang Multi Purpose Hydro Electricity Project. According to NHPC officials, it is the largest in the country to be executed by the power giant. Also Dr Singh is schedule to lay the foundation stone of the Harmoti-Itanagar railway line. He will also visit the Ramakrishna Mission Hospital besides formally inaugurating the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan housing the ruling Congress headquarters and unveil a statue of Indira Gandhi before addressing a public meeting. D...
Hundreds of uncounted ballot papers are being found outside the Panchayat Election Counting centre at Dhemaji Deputy Commissioner's office premises at Dhemaji on 30-01-08 showing great concern over the Panchayat Election counting.Pix by UB Photos.
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