Meghalaya news
ISC to inculcate scientific temper among young scientists
From a Correspondent
SHILLONG, Dec 30: To celebrate science and set up a platform for young scientists to inculcate a scientific temper, the Indian Science Congress (ISC) will hold its session in the Northeast for the first time in 96 years.
Over 4,000 scientists from all over the country and abroad will attend the Science Congress, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) campus here on January 3. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam will open the Children’s Science Congress on January 5.
The five-day scientific conclave on the focal theme “Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research” will also feature seminars on Northeast-specific issues that would include eminent scientists and experts from various fields.
The ISC will give a platform for budding scientists to share their ideas and knowledge at the 14 sessions in a five-day period. “The ISC will serve a major role in improving the quality of life in the Northeast,” said Vice Chancellor of NEHU Pramod Tandon.
Informing that many of the sessions would be “centred towards” development of the Northeast, Tandon said, “One-fifth of the sessions would concentrate on issues relating to the Northeast”.
Adding that the ISC is an “excellent opportunity” to showcase the Northeast, Tandon felt that apart from the academic sessions, the ISC would indirectly give the tourism sector of the region a fillip. “This is an opportunity to showcase all that is available in the Northeast,” said Tandon. The ISC will also see around 50 delegates from abroad, including contingents from Japan, US, China and Bangladesh. The recent Mumbai terror attacks have also cast partial shadow over the ISC as no Nobel laureate scientist would attend the prestigious scientific event due to security reasons.
“Over five Nobel laureates from across the world were extended invitations for the congregation. But they have expressed their inability to attend due to security advisories imposed by their respective countries against traveling to India in the wake of the recent happenings in the country,” informed Tandon. Tandon also made a special appeal to the people in general to make the momentous event a true celebration of science.

Kiang Nangbah recalled
Staff Correspondent
SHILLONG, Dec 30: A plea to live on the legacy, principles and ideals of the Kiang Nangbah, the martyr who had been hanged by the British, was the highlight of the martyr’s 144th year of martyrdom.
At a function held at Senraij in Shillong today, Meghalaya Governor RS Mooshahary in his reference to the hanging of Kiang Nangbah stated, “We should be proud of inheriting the legacy, principles and ideals of these martyrs and they should be an inspiration to us to fight against injustice, exploitation and corruption”.
“These are the qualities that we inherit from our forefathers which clearly showed that we will not let sufferings come into us, and we should live up with it in this present world,” stated the Governor.
At Jowai, the observation of Kiang Nangbah’s martyrdom witnessed the urge of the elders of the Seinraij on the politicians, the NGOs and youth leaders to follow the leadership qualities of the great Hynniewtep martyr.
Rekindling the patriotic deeds and leadership qualities of U Kiang Nangbah till the day he was hanged in public by the British Government, the Doloi (Chief) of Jowai CC Rymbai said, “By being politicians and youth leaders doesn’t suffice to lead the people”.
“One should emulate to have the conviction, courage, determination and qualities of U Kiang Nanagbah in order to bestow confidence and lead the people through the right path”, stated Rymbai in front of State Agriculture Minister ECB Bamon, Parliamentary Secretary Ampareen Lyngdoh and other notable politicians and youth leaders. 
Mentioning that today leaders say something and do something else, Rymbai urged the politicians and youth leaders to take lessons from the principles of U Kiang Nangbah in order to become able leaders. It may be mentioned that Kiang Nangbah led the famous Jaintia Rebellion against the British till he was hanged by the British rulers.
The day also witnessed the leaders of the Seinraj urging the Government to observe the celebration in a more befitting manner.
They wanted more than a State holiday, in which the Agriculture Minister agreed to make a case before the government.
A traditional archery festival was also organized in Jowai town today. As many as 300 odd archers took part in the competition that was graced by the Congress MLA Dr RC Laloo.
Similar invocation of the great Hynniewtrep hero was also made today which was marked by elders reminding the politicians, youth leaders to follow the leadership qualities of the martyr.

Shillongiites all set to celebrate New Year eve
Staff Correspondent
SHILLONG, Dec 30: Dashed hopes now come alive for Shillongiites and tourists who want to have a New Year eve revelry in Shillong after the annual New Year eve celebration organized by the Meghalaya Tourism Developmental Forum (MTDF) was turned down by the district administration. 
An open New Year live musical concert will be organized by the Shillong Press Club and the Seng Samla Lachaumiere in collaboration with the State Directorate of Tourism Department at Horse Shoe building complex in Lower Lachumiere on December 31 from 7 pm.
This has brought the genuine New Year eve enthusiasts’ celebration alive. The concert will showcase the musical talents of four bands which will later be replaced by famous DJs. The musical event which is being managed by the ART Entertainment Service Limited, and 11 Hour promises to rock Shillongiites like never before. To welcome 2009, the three musical bands who will be belting out covers and original songs are Sommersault (Traditional and Modern Fusion Band), Cubicle (Contemporary and Rock ‘n’ Roll) and Verbs (2008 Hornbill Cham-pions). There will also be two DJs in attendance to see the old year through—DJ Gigi (Meghalaya’s 1st woman DJ) and DJ Vicky (Ex-Mumbai and Delhi).
Food stalls will be set up by different renowned hotels and eateries of Shillong to take care of the gastronomy of the public through the night. The organizers of the event have requested all those who converge to the venue not to carry back pack, luggage or any items including bottles. Security personnel will frisk the public before letting them into the venue. The organizers have also appealed to the public to join in the New Year revelry by rocking and enhancing the image of the State as the music capital of India and a tourist destination in the country.

Infiltrator arrested
From a Correspondent
SHILLONG, Dec 30: The BSF apprehended a suspected Bangladeshi infiltrator from Borsora in West Khasi Hills district yesterday. Kamal Uddin (32) from the Sunamganj district of Bangladesh was arrested by the BSF when he was crossing the Indo-Bangla border without any valid documents. Rs 2,000 Indian currency has been recovered from his possession, and he has been handed over to the West Khasi Hills police station.

Vision 2020 ushers in new era for NE
Agartala, Dec 30: The North East Council (NEC) and the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) have brought a new era of development in the region during 2008 by documenting a three-volume road map of growth strategy - NE Vision 2020.
The DoNERs initiative has redefined the Centres Look East policy to resolve the outstanding issues of trade, transit and investment in the region.
It also promises to usher in a new phase of prosperity by promoting private investment and augmenting infrastructure.
The Left Front government in Tripura expressed its satisfaction over the role played by the NEC and DoNER during the year, even though the Left Parties snapped relations with the Congress-led UPA government for its economic “policies” and signing of the Nuke deal with the US.
“During the NDA regime, the DoNER was established and huge initiatives were announced for the development of North East. However, unlike 2008, it did not show satisfactory results,” said Tripura Industry and Commerce Minister Jitendra Choudhury. Choudhury underlined that the NE vision eyed attracting investments worth Rs 13,00,000 crore in the next 12 years in the region.
He pointed out that the Vision 2020 had laid emphasis on catching up with the rest of the country, structural transformation, poverty eradication in the Northeast, maximising self-governance, harnessing resources for the benefit of the people, building capacity in people and institutions, strengthening infrastructure and creating a centre for trade as well as commerce. An independent regional airline had been in the process of operation.
Moreover, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had issued interim No Objection Certificates (NOC) to Zav Airways for operating scheduled air transport regional services in the northeastern states likely by the early next year. As a part of tourism promotion, the DoNER had projected the NER as a destination for Leave Travel Concession (LTC) travellers.
Rules were relaxed in this regard for the central government employees of all grades as well as posts and travelling by air was permitted.
According to an NEC report, altogether 247 Expressions of Interests (EOI) from 64 companies were received during the Fourth North East Summit held in September, which comprised 64 from Assam, 45 from Arunachal Pradesh, 34 from Meghalaya, 19 from Tripura, 17 from Manipur, 26 from Mizoram, 27 from Sikkim and 15 from Nagaland.
Meanwhile, in 2008, the agro and food processing sector received 65 EOIs, while tourism obtained over 50 EOIs, infrastructure over 70, information technology over 30, according to the report.
The manufacturing sector also got 12 EOIs in 2008, the report said adding an MoU was also signed between the Indian Chamber of Commerce and its Bangladesh counterpart to focus on the promotion of trade in NER. (UNI)

Nagaland’s potential lies in rich bio-diversity: Kalam
Kohima, Dec 30 : Former President of India Dr APJ Kalam has said that judicious exploration of the rich bio-diversity available in Nagaland can greatly boost the State’s economy.
Responding to a student who wanted to know what Nagaland needs to do for its economic growth during an interaction in Dimapur at the Delhi Public School as part of the ongoing 16th National Children’s Science Congress 2008 recently, Dr. Kalam suggested that along with herbal aromatic plants, Nagaland should explore its immense potentials in agro-processing enterprises, horticulture and floriculture as also its native craftsmanship by infusing appropriate technologies so as to generate exportable products. And Naga youth can take a lead on this aspect, he said.
On the role of students, Kalam said the primary mission of a student should be to excel in studies. He said success would come so long as students have a set goal, acquire the knowledge, work hard with devotion and persevere.
On the role of teachers, Dr Kalam said a good teacher is one who don’t use “old notes” but have something new to say to the students always. A teacher should prepare lesson everyday, he added.
Describing the children as “born scientists” since they ask a lot of questions, Dr Kalam suggested the teachers to encourage their pupils to ask more questions as well as interact with the students.
When a student asked whether he regards his elevation to Rashtrapati Bhavan or the success of the Pokhran tests as his success story in life, Dr Kalam quipped neither of them satisfied him more than his research findings on carbon to make lighter materials to fly missiles, since the same materials were used by a Hyderabad-based hospital to make lighter calipers for physically handicapped children, who earlier found it difficult to walk with heavy calipers.
Emphasizing the need for exploration of all non-conventional energy sources in view of the problem posed by global warming to planet earth, Dr Kalam said research on solar energy using nano-technology would lead to better fuel efficiency in vehicles to hit the roads. He pointed out the present available technology on solar powered vehicles could attain only 20-25 per cent fuel efficiency but nano-techlogy showed the efficiency in solar cells used in cars can be enhanced to 60-65 per cent.
“Don’t worry, wait for a few years, you will get your solar powered cars to drive on Dimapur roads,” Dr Kalam said in reply to a question from a student on when she will get opportunity to drive her vehicle powered by solar energy.
Also participating in the interaction, former UGC chairman and noted scientist Prof Yashpal wanted the teachers to listen and learn from students to teach them properly. “Do not emphasize much on what they answer from their syllabus, rather give importance to what the students question,” Prof Yashpal suggested. (Agencies)

Tripura tribal parties oppose wildlife park
Agartala, Dec 30: Tribal political parties in Tripura on Monday launched a statewide agitation against the Left Front government’s move to evict thousands of villagers for creating a wildlife sanctuary.The Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT), a political ally of the main opposition Congress, organised protest rallies and demonstrations in 18 tribal dominated places across Tripura.
“More than 100,000 tribal people in three sub-divisions - Gandachara, Amarpur and Ambassa - in southern and northern Tripura would be displaced from their homes if the wildlife sanctuary is created,” said Rabindra Debbarma, INPT general secretary.
“The respective sub-divisional magistrates have already issued notices to the 1,200 tribal residents of 19 villages to submit details of their lands,” he told journalists.
The tribal wing of the main opposition Congress and some other smaller parties also have threatened to oppose the government’s move. About a third of Tripura’s 3.5 million people are tribals.
“The tribal people were earlier evicted from their homes and lands when the Dambur hydel project was commissioned in south Tripura in 1974 from the three hill ranges - Atharamura, Kalazhari and Bhagaban tilla bordering Bangladesh,” Debbarma said.
Tripura Forest Minister Jitendra Chowdhury, however, denied any such move for creating a new wildlife sanctuary.
“We are planning to create a ‘Critical Habitat Area’ for the elephants and a few other endangered wild animals in southern and northern Tripura. The latest census has shown that the elephant population has gone up from 38 in 2002 to 59 now,” Chowdhury said.
The minister said: “In the past four years, 519 cases of ‘man-animal conflict’ have been registered and the move is aimed to raise the animals’ vegetation and fodder and help in their conservation.”
“The government will not evict a single family. Only some tribe-wise regrouping is likely to be done,” the forest minister said.
Veteran tribal leader Dinesh Debbarma, also the general secretary of the Congress’ tribal wing, said: “The Left Front government is once again conspiring against the poor tribal people to evict them from their home lands.” (IANS)

Cong wins Moirang byelection
Imphal, Dec 30: Congress nominee M Prithviraj has won the 27 December-Moirang Assembly bypoll in Manipur, defeating H Bir Singh of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP) by a margin of 4,887 votes.
Prithviraj secured 16,225 votes, while H Bir Singh obtained 11,336 votes.
The bypoll was held on December 27 and it recorded about 85 per cent voters’ turnout.
The byelection witnessed a straight fight between the two parties and Prithiviraj was elected for the first time.
The Moirang seat fell vacant, following the death of his father, M Manindra, on October 26.
The counting for the 37 polling stations was done today at the Bishenpur DC office with the representatives of both the candidates. In the previous Assembly elections held in February 2007, the constituency witnessed a straight fight between M Manindra Singh (INC) and Salam Gopal Singh of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP).
Meanwhile, the victory was celebrated by the Congress workers throughout the constituency. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh described the Moirang byelection as a “referendum on his government.” There was no change in the position of the parties in the Assembly now as the Congress had retained the Moirang seat. The Congress commands absolute majority with 31 members in the 60-member House in Manipur. The MPP has five members. (UNI)

CPI(M)’s Tripura meet begins
Agartala, Dec 30: The CPI(M)’s two-day Tripura state committee meeting began last evening here to discuss the crucial issues like implementation of Scheduled Tribes and Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Party sources today said discussions were held on the state’s latest law and order situation as well as security scenario, following terrorist attacks in Mumbai last month.
The party expressed satisfaction over the victory of Shekh Hassina-led Awami League in the general elections in Bangladesh and hoped that it would substantially help India to fight against terrorism and particularly, in managing militancy in the Northeast(NE), source added.
The sources felt that the Hassina-led government would take some tough steps against the ultras, who propagate terror in the NE. However, the party leaders alleged that the Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura (INPT) and some NGOs, funded by foreign agencies, had been trying to misguide the innocent forest dwellers that the state government was about to come up with four more wildlife sanctuaries in the hilly areas by evicting the tribals. (UNI)