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.
Indefinite curfew has been imposed in Chirang district following the fresh outbreak of group clash where six more people were killed on Saturday. Additional security forces were rushed to the spot and the area sealed. More and more forces have been rushed to the district to efficiently deal with the situation.
Suggesting a rerun of violence in BTAD areas, six people were stabbed to death in Chirang district on Saturday.The incident took place at around 5-30 in the evening at Chaoudharipara at Bijni in the district. The bodies were dumped beside an abandoned vehicle in the evening. Security forces have reached the area and massive operations are going on to nab the culprits.With this, the total number of people killed in the violence has gone up to at least 85.
Karnataka deputy chief minister R Ashoka said that his state is safe and secured for north east people. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday, Ashoka, who also holds the home portfolio said that those willing to return to Bangalore would be able to leave by train free of cost. He is also scheduled to visit Manipur on Sunday.
Karnataka deputy chief minister R Ashokaon Saturday met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and briefed him about the steps taken by his government.Ashoka, who is leading a good will team to north east Karnataka government had contacted firms whose employees fled and promised to take them back in their previous jobs. He said 22 arrests have been made by Karnataka police so far and 17 cases registered. Of these, five were arrested for their alleged involvement in circulation of provocative SMS and video.
Assam Rifles on Saturday said that North east militants have shifted their bases to Myanmar in the face of crackdown by the Bangladesh security forces. Talking to reporters in Agartala on Saturday, Assam Rifles Inspector General Satish Dua said security forces have been asked by the Centre to maintain a strict vigil about the movement of the militants in the region.
Chief Minister’s anti corruption and vigilance cell unearthed a huge amount of money and some ornaments during a raid it conducted at a house in Guwahati on Saturday. The raid was conducted at the residence of a block development office who works at Mayong in Morigaon district. Led by superintendent of police Raunok Ali Hazarika, the 12 member team reached the BDO’s residence in Hatigaon area and found rupees and dollars of Rs 27 lakh put inside even flower bash and pillows. Investigation is going on.
Ending all speculations Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma resumed duty in Dispur on Saturday. Dr Sarma who withdrew his resignation on Friday signed a few NRHM files at his office on Saturday. But he refused to speak to the media. On August 15, Dr Sarma put in his papers without any formal comment. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi also did not make any formal comment on Dr Sarma’s resignation. On Friday evening he called on Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi at Koinadhara where he wanted to take his resignation letter back.
Dr. Phani Sharma Commemorative Talent Award for Sports for the to a promising sportsperson of the state. Year 2012 held on Auguast 23 at Anuradha Cineplex, Guwahati. This year’s award was given to Pwilao Basumatary, a promising Boxer of from Kokrajhar. The award carried a onetime grant of Rs.1,00,000.
The event was attended by the Chief Minister TarunGogoi as the Chief Guest, Minister of Panchayat...
Finally Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday called on Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi in a move to withdraw the resignation he tendered last week. After landing at the Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Dr Sarma straightly left for Koinadhara and called on the Chief Minister. According to sources, he let Gogoi know that he wanted to withdraw his resignation. But Dr Sarma is tightlipped on the entire political development. He on August 15 tendered his resignation. But he did not make it public.
Kakopathar police station in Dibrugarh district of Assam had a narrow escape when suspected ULFA militants lobbed a powerful grenade on Friday. The grenade attack took place at around 9 at night which exploded with a huge sound just a few meters away from police station. There is no report of any casualty as the grenade missed the target. Top ranked police officials arrived in the spot and a vigorous operation is going on to nab the culprits. But no outfit has so far owned up the responsibility.
Comments
Pages
Add new comment