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.
Assam Association, Delhi is going to celebrate the Bhogali Bihu Festival as per the following day-long programme on Sunday, 20th January, 2008. We solicit your benign presence alongwith your family & friends.Venue:Central Secretariat Sports Grounds (opposite NEHRU PARK),Vinay Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021Programme:Flag Hoisting: 10:30 AMChildren's Painting Competition: 10:45 AM"Meji Prajjalan": 11:00 AMGames & Sports: 11:30 AM Cultural programme: 12:30 PM to 2 PMLottery & Prize Distribution: 3:30 PM onwardsFooding:Light Refreshment : 10:00 AMLunch: 1:30 PMEvening Tea: 4:00 PMDonation:Single: Rs.100/-Family (4 mmbers): Rs.300/
The income tax officials are conducting raids in places in the city. Most of these places include Fancy bazar and Aathgaon. These buildings and business establishments are owned by a section city businessman. The raids began two hours earlier and is continuing. Details are awaited.
A hardcore ULFA cadre died at an encounter with in Army on late Wednesday night in Arunachal Pradesh. According to information, ULFA corporal Nityananda Arandhara was killed an encounter with 19th Kumaon Regiment in Mahadevpur in Arunachal Pradesh. The Army further recovered a 9mm pistol from the incident site.
Assam is observing the Silpi Diwas, the birth anniversary of Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla on Thursday across the state. Seeral programmes are being organized to observe the occasion. The Asam Government is organizing its function at the Robindra Bhawan later today where minister for cultural affairs Gautom Bora is schedule to give away the prestigious Silpi award to Pranab Bora and Minoti Khaound. The Aom Sahitya Sabha is also organizing its function in Jorhat.
The Justice Monisena Singh Commission is hearing the Beltola violence case in Dispur today. AASA leaders and several organizations and individuals are also set for appearing before the Commission. Notably, the Assam government set up the panel to probe the violence that rocked Beltola on November 24.
A set of well planned strategies are all that is necessary to stop discrimination and sexual harressement on the north eastern people residing in New Delhi. This was more or less of what the speakers said at a recent meeting held at the the Indian Social Institute. Convened by the Delhi A'chik Youth Association (DAYA), the meeting discussed in detail ther options left for an effective strategies to stop the problems confronting the people hailing from the north eastern region.DAYA general secretary F.Silkam Sangma in his address said regional discrimination is rampant in the national capital adding that it is not confined only to the people from North East India which was evidenced by the...
Three coaches of the Dibrugarh-Amritsar Express jumped off the rails near New Jalpaiguri on Wednesday morning disrupting rail traffic on the section. No casualty has so far been reported. According to information received, it was the 5933 Down Dibrugarh-Amritsar Express whose coaches including two unreserved general class derailed at around 6 in the morning in between Magurjan and Aluabari railway stations about 50 km from New Jalpaiguri. Later a crane was pressed into the service haul up the derailed coaches. Top ranked Northeast Frontier Railway officials are arriving in the spot and assessed the situation.
Two militants have been injured at an explosion that took place beside a public meeting in Kokrajhar district's Symbul gaon on Tuesday. According to information, the militants carried the bomb to the meeting but it miised the target. Later both the militants were rushed to the hospital. People here said a section of BLT cadres have join a new militant outfit named BRTF in the BTC area. Investigation is going on to unearth the truth.
Nine CISF jawans have been injured while aome Adivasi people attacked them at a incident on Tuesday in Dibrugarh district's Tengakhat area.According to information, more then 50 Adivasi people came and gatecrashed the Oil India station inside a tea garden at Tengakhat and started pelting stones at them.The mob alleged that these jawans misbehaved with an woman on Monday forcing them to retaliate. The CISF jawans fired in the air and informed the police. As soon as the police arrived in the scene, the irrate mob scuffled with the police. A bullet came off a policeman's gun injuring one of the Adivasi people. The injured CISF jawans along with the peoplemen were given first aid before release...
Its hard to believe but true. For the people of Kekerikuchi, there is no uruka and also no meji to kindle. Its time for them to weep as the bitter memory of the most gruesome murder of seventeen people are still reamining fresh in their minds.Ten years ago the militants killed these unfortunate people in the villages. A few women were preparing for the uruka feast while some others were busy with making Bihu delicacies. And the children were playing with mejis.Soon after their arrival, they started indiscriminate firing in the busy uruka evening leaving these including women and children dead on the spot.The political leaders along with some others rushed to their near and dear ones to...
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