“Assam militants cannot set up base again”

Militants from India's North-East had no chance of again setting up base in Bhutan, Prime Minister Jigme Y. Thinley said. The Prime Minister further added that threats from Maoist rebels existed but his country was capable of fighting back. His made these remarks in an interview with a news agency. Refuting the possibility that militants from North-East India could again set up base in his country, "Such speculations are incorrect and there are no militant activities in Bhutan especially after our security forces flushed out militant groups from our country." "Our security establishment is on alert and every measure is being taken to ensure that whatever has happened in the past cannot happen again," he added. In 2003, Bhutan launched Operation All Clear and busted at least 30 camps belonging to outlawed rebel groups United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Kamatapur Liberation Organisation (KLO). More than 20 rebels were also killed in the operation that helped the country flush out all Indian rebels from its soil. India and Bhutan share a 643 km unfenced border.

Manipur shines at National Film Awards

Six International award winning film AFSPA 1958 was adjudged the best non-feature film in the 56th National Film Awards for 2008 while another film Cinnabar (Challenge) won the best adventure/sport film award. Manicure’s noted film critic RK Bidder bagged the best critic award while a young mass communication teacher Ellingham Natasha won best narration award in another Manicure film Snakebite (Royal Market). The President of India will present the awards consisting gold medals and cash prizes in March 2010. Mention may be made here that 10 films from Manipur will also be screened in the forthcoming 11th MIFF 2010. Beyond doubt, these awards are big achievements in history of Manipuri cinema”.

Bhutan to export oranges to Bangladesh

 Bhutan will export oranges to Bangladesh through Dawki land customs station in Meghalaya, official sources said. Following a nod from New Delhi, a delegation from Bhutan comprising members from Bhutan Chamber of Commerce, Bhutan Import and Export Association, Bhutan-Indo Friendship Association and other officials arrived at Dawki recently to complete the formalities. Official sources said export would begin on an experimental basis and then would expand it to other items like ginger. The first consignment of oranges from eastern Bhutan is expected to arrive in a day or two and would be received by the Secretary of Trade of the Royal Bhutan Embassy in Bangladesh at Dawki. So far, Bhutan has been depending on West Bengal to export oranges to Bangladesh.

Mizoram rail link work in full swing

Railway extension work from Bairabi to Sairang is in full swing, said Zasanga, chairman of Mizoram State-level task force on National Railway Project. “Though the survey is going on in full speed, it is impossible to say when it will be finished”, said Zasanga today. The Central Government has entrusted RITES to carry out the survey for the project. Due to hilly and rugged terrain with dense forest, the survey for the railway track cannot be expedited as planned, he rued. The project chairman while thanking the people’s co-operation in the survey work, said, “Villagers came out with enthusiasm to help us navigate the best suitable route which will be used as permanent rail track in future”. Rubbishing oposition to the track as unfounded, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had said that no nation or tribe has ever been assimilated due to construction of railways. He said railway network would not only bring commodities at lower prices, it would also be most useful for export of the agriculture and horticulture products from the State that would benefit the farmers. As the State is rich in natural resources like oil and natural gas, railways would be the most important for exploration and transportation of the mineral wealth, Lal Thanhawla added. Sairang is just 20 kms away from the State capital Aizawl. The railway project was started in 1997 but due to several reasons the project could not be constructed till now. Rs 519.34 crores has been sanctioned by the Railway Board for this project. The new track will be of 51 kms with 16 tunnels.

Tripura to set up Industrial park

The Tripura Government is all set to establish full-fledged Industrial Park along with food, rubber and bamboo park in the State to lure foreign investment. Industry and Commerce Minister Jitendra Choudhury said that the State had huge potential for setting up IT industries and the government would announce related policies early next year. He said the State government was ready to accept foreign investment because of close proximity of the state to Bangladesh and world famous Biswa road only, which is five kilometres from Agartala. “Tripura has already emerged as second best IT infrastructure in northeast,” Choudhury said, adding that the State Government would provide a hassle free atmosphere for the investors. He also mentioned that the situation in neighbouring Bangladesh had also improved and the sea port connectivity through Chittagong would bring in multiple advantages for the State.

NSCN-K going great guns with recruitment

One of the factions of the NSCN active in the districts of Tirap and Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh is reportedly on a recruitment drive. Latest reports have confirmed that at least 9 youths from Nyinu village in Wakka circle of Tirap were recruited by the NSCN (K). Sources said these recruits are already undergoing training under the guidance of Kachin Independent Army (KIA) in Myanmar. A few days back, when the alleged recruitment of 18 youths by the outfit in the district came to light, the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) had expressed shock and concern and urged the Government to act immediately. The apex students’ union had termed the act as unlawful and disturbing as the youths involved were between the age group of 18 and 25 years. As per latest reports, one of the factions of NSCN is going ahead with its recruitment drive in spite of opposition from various quarters. The sources further said that as many as 28 more youths have been identified for recruitment and training. Reportedly, these youths would join one of the factions of NSCN in next 7 to 10 days, predominantly from villages like Nyinu, Dadam and Lazu of Wakka area in Tirap. Most of these identified recruits are said to be below 20 years of age, and include at least 6 teenage girls.

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