Assam Forum of Great Britain (AFGB) organized its 4th Annual conference at the London School of Economics on September 5, 2015. MP Sarbananda Sonowal sent a good will message appreciating the efforts of the Assamese diaspora to contribute towards solving the problems of Assam. Dr. Jitendralal Borkakoti, AFGB Chairman, has stated that the objective of AFGB is “to galvanize Assamese people both in England and Assam to think and find solutions for the serious problems of Assam”. He also stated that a Memorandum to Prime Minister Modi was accepted by Ajit Doval last January, and it raised eight important problems of Assam.
This year three burning issues of Assam were discussed in the conference. Smitana Saikia in her paper on “Crisis of ethnic identity: who is an Assamese?” comes to the conclusion that it is impossible to define an Assamese identity as the Assamese society is a composite society; and this has been increasingly realised both in the political and social circles in Assam. In the absence of an inclusive definition of an Assamese identity, it will not be possible to implement Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, as it is divisive. The emphasis should be on Clause 7 so that the people of Assam become united in their struggle to achieve rapid economic development. Dr. Rituparna Sarma and Ms. Rimli Das, in their paper on “Gender Issues in Assam”, reports a worsening situation in Assam with spiralling violence against women including abduction, molestation, rape, dowry killings, and witch hunting. They have pointed out the disturbing development of girls and young women being kidnapped or lured by traffickers. Ignorant and economically disadvantaged people in the remote areas of Assam should be made aware by police and relevant NGOs.
There was also a Panel discussion on poor governance in Assam and how corruption has become institutionalised in Assam. The Panel (Dr. Aburba Baruah, Dr. Jitendralal Borkakoti, Zaved Ckoudhury and Dr. Dinesh Kakati) has stated that good governance requires capacity building, accountability and transparency. It has been pointed out how, because of poor governance, (a) allocation under Five Year Plane remain unutilised (Rs. 13,093 during 2001-02 and 2012-13), (b) how the Water Resources Department failed to use allocated funds (to the tune of 38% to 60% during the period 2002-03 to 2011-12), and (c) how the Government of Assam routinely fail to submit utilisation certificates (20,000 certificates are pending from 58 Departments amounting to Rs.12.000 crore from 2001-02 to 2013-14). Only a movement from civic societies can lead to an end of blatant corruption.
16 Jul 2008 - 12:16pm | editor
The Assam government on Tuesday came in for sharp criticism from the Opposition parties for failing to solve border dispute which is continuing for the last several years. The Opposition members...
20 Aug 2007 - 4:40am | pbaruah
GUWAHATI Come winter. It will be a promising one like never before. The north eastern region is all set to pick up the first buck from the ‘action-packed’ season. The region finetunes...
16 Mar 2015 - 9:38pm | Paresh Baishya
The closing ceremony of the three-day working meeting of the Indian Federation of Working Journalist was held at North Guwahati College, Kamrup on 16th March.About 150 delegates from all over India...
12 Mar 2012 - 4:01pm | editor
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has tabled a Rs 293.44 crore deficit budget for the year 2012-2013 on the floor on Monday.
Gogoi, who also holds the finance portfolio has claimed to have...
Dibrugarh - The North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS) and the Environmental Forum of Assam, in collaboration with the Centre for Social Work Studies at Dibrugarh University, successfully hosted a two-day 'People's Dialogue on Development Discourse in North East India' from August 28th to 29th. The event, held at the Vikshan conference hall of Dibrugarh University, gathered a diverse group of regional stakeholders to engage in insightful conversations aimed at reshaping development approaches in the North-East.
The North-East region of India, known for its cultural diversity and unique geography, has often been a focal point for discussions on development, infrastructure,...
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Borkakoti, a respected author and cultural advocate from Assam, has been elected as the Secretary General of the Delphic Council of North East India (DCNE). This announcement came during an online general body meeting held on August 4th.
Under the guidance of Jahnabi Phookan, the Past National President of FICCI FLO, who serves as the initiator and advisor, and Swapnanil Barua as President, DCNE is poised for a new era of cultural enrichment.
During the meeting, accomplished artist Gaurab Kr Hazarika was chosen as the treasurer and entrusted with the additional responsibility of overseeing the organization of Delphic Clubs, an integral component of DCNE's engagement...
Football betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling, with millions of people around the world placing wagers on their favorite teams and players. Unfortunately, football betting can be a tricky business, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and anticipation that comes along with it. For those who are looking to maximize their chance of success when it comes to football bets, some key strategies can help you stay ahead of the odds.
Understand Statistics
In order to be successful in football online betting, one need to understand the statistics involved. Many factors can affect the outcome of a game, from weather conditions to injuries or even luck. By having a...
The Assam Association Chennai witnessed a momentous event on July 23, 2023, as a new general body was formed to lead the association for the session 2023-25. The election results, declared by the election commission of Assam Association Chennai, brought forth a team of dedicated individuals to spearhead the organization's activities and initiatives.
The elected members who will guide the Assam Association Chennai for the next two years are as follows:
President: Dwip Kinkar Goswami
Vice-president: Deben Daloi
General Secretary: Gautam Deori
Joint Secretary: Bijoy Bordoloi
Cultural...
In a recent press release issued by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA- Independent), the militant outfit has vehemently denied any association with the individuals arrested for collecting funds in the name of the organization. The ULFA-I has accused the Assam Police of misleading actions and false implications.
The press release highlighted the arrests of Pushpanjali Gohain and Hem Chetia, who were found in possession of Rs 3 lakh and accepting donations, respectively, on behalf of "United Liberation Army, Assam [Independent]." The ULFA-I clarified that they have no connection with these individuals and their actions, asserting that the organization does not involve women in such...
The Meiteis of Manipur residing in Mizoram have reportedly started leaving the state due to safety concerns prompted by a recently-viral video. According to reports, the former militants' organization "Peace Accord MNF Returnees’ Association" and the "Hmar Students Association" allegedly asked the Meiteis of Manipur to leave Mizoram for their own safety. This has led to over 300 Meiteis gathering in Aizawl, while others have sought shelter in local churches. Some have reached Imphal Airport today, with many others still stuck in Mizoram.
There are over 2,000 Meiteis in Mizoram, of which half originate from Manipur, and are working in various sectors, including central government offices...
Majuli: In the wake of a devastating storm that wreaked havoc on 20th April, 2023 in Majuli island of Assam, North-East Affected Area Development Society (NEADS), a local humanitarian organisation has sprung into action, initiating a humanitarian relief and rehabilitation programme to assist the affected communities in their time of need.
The massive storm, which struck the island with unrelenting force, caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods, leaving hundreds of families grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. With access to basic necessities and essential services severely compromised, the affected communities faced numerous challenges on the path...
Ajit Kumar Bhuyan, a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha and the President of Jatiya Dal-Asom, has filed an FIR against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and several other ministers and MLAs. The FIR, addressed to the Officer-In-Charge of Dispur Police Station, alleges that the statements made by these constitutional functionaries constitute hate speeches against a particular community.
In the FIR, Bhuyan refers to recent press statements made by Chief Minister Sarma, in which he allegedly asked people from Upper Assam to come to Guwahati and promised to clear the city of "Mias." These statements, widely available on social media, are seen as intended to create divisions among...
In a recent development, the Chief of Assam Trinamool Congress (TMC), Ripun Bora, has demanded urgent action against Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. Bora's call comes after the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam Police takes suo-motu cognisance of a Supreme Court order, WP(C) No. 943/2021 of Ashwini Kumar Upadhaya Vs. Union of India & ORS.
During a press conference held at the party's headquarters on Monday, Bora emphasized that CM Sarma's comments about the Miyan community constitute a "hate speech" and violate Section 153(A) of the IPC, as outlined in the order dated April 28, 2023, passed in WP(C) No. 943/2021. Bora further revealed that he has written a letter to...
Udalguri, Assam - In a devastating incident that took place today, Raju Keunt, a 47-year-old resident, lost his life after being trampled by a wild elephant at the Orangajuli tea garden. The unfortunate incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Paneri police station in Udalguri district. Keunt was attempting to feed bananas to a group of wild elephants when the tragedy unfolded.
Eyewitnesses reported that Keunt had ventured close to the elephants, hoping to interact with them and feed them some bananas. Unfortunately, one of the elephants became agitated and charged at him, resulting in the fatal trampling. Despite the efforts of the tea garden workers and nearby residents to...
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