Welcome to your monthly roundup of the latest news, events, and happenings from the beautiful state of Assam!
Stay informed about the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and exciting developments taking place in Assam. From the majestic Brahmaputra River to the lush tea plantations, we’ll bring you the most compelling stories and insights. Join us as we delve into the heart of Assam and celebrate its unique identity.
1) GU constitutes panel to probe marksheet scam
Since the discovery of a cash-for-marks scam at Guwahati University last month, nine persons have been taken into custody. When it was discovered that a student’s marksheet from a related college had been tampered with, the fraud was exposed. Later on, the student admitted that he had paid about ₹10,000 to have his marks raised. Five years ago, GU hired ITI Limited, a Central government undertaking, to manage the university database. It is thought that this software company’s top executives are complicit in the swindle. A strong confidential committee has been established by Gauhati University to look into the level of harm that may have been caused by ITI Limited personnel’ suspected actions.
2) Mizo Group Imposes Embargo on Fuel Supply to Myanmar
A complete restriction on the transportation of gasoline and diesel to the southern Chin state of Myanmar has been implemented by the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), a significant civil society organization in south Mizoram. Fuel shortages are affecting nearby communities and construction projects in the area, which is why this action is being taken. A deal with the United League of Arakan (ULA) allowed the CYLA to withdraw its earlier prohibition on the shipment of commodities to Myanmar.
Nonetheless, the current ban is the result of hostilities that have resumed between the Arakan Army (AA) and the military forces of Myanmar. The CYLA has voiced concerns that militants from Arakan, who have been attacking pro-democracy Chin organizations, are using the fuel that was transferred from Mizoram.
3) Myanmar Situation Impacts India’s Act East Policy
Myanmar issue :
In February 2021, Myanmar’s army overthrew the democratically elected government and seized power in a military coup. The country fell into deep social, political and economic turmoil as the army conducted brutal campaigns against perceived opponents. Sources revealed that according to information available with the Indian security agencies, the situation in Myanmar is still fluid and tense with continuous fighting between the Myanmar Army and the rebel forces.
Impacts on India
● Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Project.
○ The trilateral highway connecting India, Myanmar, and Thailand is nearing completion.
○ The Kaladan multi-modal project is also in its final stages.
○ However, the persistent instability in Myanmar jeopardises the viability of these projects, as businesses are reluctant to transport goods through the troubled region.
Impacts on North-East
○ Some rebel groups from India’s Northeast have joined the conflict in Myanmar, receiving weapons from the Myanmar Army.
○ These rebel groups also received weapons from the Myanmar Army and there is a threat that the militants will use the same weapons in India in the future.
○ Both Myanmar Army personnel and rebel forces are reportedly infiltrating India via the porous border.
○ However, ULFA is not participating in the Myanmar conflict due to a lack of sufficient firepower.
The instability in Myanmar remains a significant concern for India, affecting regional security and the execution of strategic projects. Effective management of the situation is crucial for maintaining progress on the Act East Policy and ensuring regional stability.
4) ‘Remna Ni’ (Day of Redemption)
Mizroram marked the 38th anniversary of the Mizo Accord, a pivotal moment in the state’s history that ended a two-decade-long insurgency. This historic agreement, signed on June 30, 1986, between the Indian government and the Mizo National Front (MNF), led by Laldenga is celebrated annually as ‘Remna Ni’ (Day of Redemption)
History
The Mizos were particularly dissatisfied with the government’s inadequate response to the 1959–60 mautam famine. The Mizo National Famine Front, a body formed for famine relief in 1959, later developed into a new political organisation, the Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1961. A period of protests and armed insurgency followed in the 1960s, which resulted in the MNF seeking independence from India.
In 1971, the government agreed to convert Mizo District into a Union Territory, which became Mizoram in 1972. In 1986, the Mizoram Peace Accord was agreed upon between the Government and the MNF. The same year, the Indian Parliament adopted the 53rd amendment of the Indian Constitution, which allowed for the creation of the State of Mizoram on 20 February 1987, as India’s 23rd state. Mizoram was
given two seats in the Parliament, one each in the Lok Sabha and in the Rajya Sabha.
5) Hemanta Dutta to Receive Baan Theatre Award 2024
The prestigious Baan Theatre Award 2024 will be conferred on eminent playwright, director, and lyricist Hemanta Dutta. The award
ceremony will take place during the Natasurya Phani Sarma Memorial Drama Festival, scheduled from July 31 to August 4 .
About Baan Theatre
■ The most significant and a landmark development in the cultural life of Assam was the establishment of the Baan Stage (old) or
Baan theatre, the first modern Assamese theatre hall at Tezpur in 1906.
■ The Baan Stage gave a platform for development of the Socio-Cultural scene of Assam. The great cultural trio Rupkonwar Jyoti
Prasad Agarwala, Kalaguru Bishnu Prasad Rabha and Nata Surya Phani Sarma blossomed here. Phani Sarma along with Bishnu Rabha directed the most successful Assamese movie Siraj.
■ The Baan Stage (old) was constructed on the same plot of land donated to the Asamiya Bhasa Unnati Sadhini Sabha and with the donation from the public.
■ Jyoti Prasad wrote several successful dramas which were played in the Ban Stage. Padmanath Gohain Baruah, Dandinath Kalita, Phani Sarma also wrote a number of successful plays for staging them in the Baan Stage.
■ The tradition of staging dramas at the Baan Stage continues till today.
6) State Flood Situation Turns Critical
The flood situation in the state has reached alarming levels due to heavy and extremely heavy rainfall, compounded by adverse weather conditions in Arunachal Pradesh. This has severely impacted the lives of over 6.44 lakh people across 19 districts. Moreover, the Lower Subansiri dam had to release excess water, affecting 11,000 families in 21 downstream villages .
Some Updates :
The Brahmaputra River in Dibrugarh has risen above the levels of surrounding inundated areas, rendering pumping machines ineffective.
● Key areas along the Brahmaputra and other major rivers have breached their flood markers, including:
○ Jorhat and Morigaon (highest flood levels)
○ Sonitpur, Kamrup, Sivasagar (Desang and Dikhow), Dibrugarh (Buridehing), Tinsukia, Karimganj (Kushiyara), Lakhimpur (Subansiri), Kamrup (Puthimari), Sonitpur (Jia Bharali).
● Over 26,000 hectares of crop area have been submerged
● In KNP, Approximately 93 forest camps are underwater.
○ Rising floodwaters have led wildlife to cross National Highway-715 in search of higher ground towards East Karbi Anglong district.
Vehicle movement on highways through Kaziranga is restricted. Commercial vehicles must use alternative routes, and private vehicles are escorted to prevent animal collisions .
7) Seventh Assam State Finance Commission
In pursuance of the provisions of Article 243-I and 243-Y of the Constitution of India read with the provisions of Section 2(1) of the Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995, the Governor of Assam, the Governor of Assam has constituted the Seventh Assam State Finance Commission with Lt Gen (retd) Rana Pratap Kalita as its chairman and six other members.
The panel will make recommendations on matters such as principles governing the distribution between the State of Assam and the panchayats and municipalities of net proceeds of taxes and duties levied and collected, and measures needed to improve the financial position of panchayats and municipalities.
It will also deal with any other matter referred to the State Finance Commission by the Governor in the interest of the sound financial position of panchayats and municipalities, among others. The commission shall make its report available to the Governor by December 16, 2024, covering a period of five years, commencing on April 1, 2025.