Census data key to development planning, says Arunachal Guv after completing self-enumeration

Guwahati, April 4 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday announced that the BJP government would provide two free LPG cylinders annually to beneficiaries, while stepping up his attack on the Opposition during a series of election rallies across Upper Assam.

Addressing large gatherings in Mahmora, Sonari, Nazira, and Mariani, CM Sarma said the free cylinders would be distributed during key festive periods such as Bihu and Durga Puja. He said the move builds on existing welfare support, including free distribution of essential commodities like rice, pulses, salt, sugar, and tea.

Highlighting the BJP-led government’s welfare initiatives, Sarma said the scheme is aimed at easing the financial burden on households while ensuring access to clean cooking fuel. “Our government is committed to supporting every family and improving their quality of life through targeted welfare measures,” he said.

Confident of a strong electoral performance, Sarma claimed that the Opposition would have “zero impact” in the upcoming Assembly elections and predicted a decisive victory for the BJP-led alliance, though he did not specify seat numbers.

The Chief Minister also targeted the Congress over the issue of tea garden workers’ wages. “Congress paid tea workers Rs 130 as daily wages, whereas the BJP government has ensured wages of Rs 280 over the past five years,” he said.

In a separate remark, Sarma referred to discussions in Pakistani media regarding Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi, saying the matter required clarification.

He also took a swipe at Raijor Dal MLA Akhil Gogoi, calling him “the biggest entertainer” in the Assembly and remarking that his social media appearances were “interesting to watch”.

With campaigning gaining momentum, Sarma urged voters to back the BJP to ensure continuity in development and welfare initiatives across Assam.

–IANS

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Ranchi, Jan 9 (IANS) The Dombari Buru hill in Jharkhand stands as a solemn reminder of one of the bloodiest massacres during India’s freedom struggle. While the Jallianwala Bagh massacre is widely recognized, the tragic events of January 9, 1900, at Dombari Buru were much bigger in scale.

On the 125th anniversary of the massacre, hundreds of people gathered to pay homage at the martyrs’ pillar on the hill. The site commemorates the sacrifices of Munda tribals who fought valiantly under the leadership of Birsa Munda, a revolutionary tribal leader who had declared “Abua Raj” (self-rule) in defiance of British authority.

The British, alarmed by the uprising, surrounded the hill and opened fire on the assembled tribals. Armed only with bows and arrows, the Mundas fought back but faced a brutal onslaught. Tribal history scholars estimate over 400 lives were lost, although British records claim only 12 deaths.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday paid tribute, stating on social media: “In the fight for India’s independence and rights, countless brave men of Jharkhand have sacrificed their lives. However, these sacrifices often remain buried in the pages of history. The Dombari Buru massacre is one such tragic episode, where hundreds of our brave warriors gave their lives to protect Jharkhand’s identity, rights, and natural resources. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Hundreds of salutes to the immortal martyrs of Dombari Buru.”

Study conducted by the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) of the Jharkhand government has shed light on the massacre. A British report claimed 12 deaths, but a 1957 Bihar government report placed the number of deaths at 200. Folklore and stone inscriptions in the region preserve the names of martyrs like Hadi Munda, Majhia Munda, Hopen Manjhi, and others.

These accounts highlight the atrocities, including reports that two of Birsa Munda’s associates — Hathiram Munda and Singrai Munda — were buried alive.

According to the research report, British Commissioner A Forbes, Colonel Westmoreland and HC Straitfield led the army that carried out the massacre.

The massacre left Dombari hill drenched in blood, with the nearby Tajna river reportedly turning red.

Despite the British victory, Birsa Munda evaded capture for weeks. He was eventually arrested on February 3, 1900, while asleep in the forests of Chaibasa. Later imprisoned in Ranchi, he passed away under mysterious circumstances on June 9, 1900.

Dombari Buru remains a symbol of the resilience and sacrifice of the tribal community in India’s struggle for freedom.

–IANS

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Indore, Oct 25 (IANS) After arresting the man accused of molesting two Australian women cricketers participating in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup here in Indore, the police said on Saturday that they were probing if there were any “shortcomings” in security protocol.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime Branch, Rajesh Dandotiya, said that the accused, identified as Aqeel Khan, was arrested.

Responding to security arrangements provided to women Australian cricket players, Dandotiya said that police security was provided under the standard protocol in the hotel premises and outside.

“Franchises (teams) also have their own security staff, and a meeting was held regarding maintaining standard protocol. There may be a lack of coordination between Indore Police security and the team’s security staff. This part is being investigated,” he added.

When asked whether police security was provided to the women players when they were out of their hotel, DCP Dandotiya stated that a team of Indore Police officials were deployed at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

“Indore Police had conducted a meeting with the Australian team’s security staff, and protocols were set up. We are examining if there were any shortfalls in the security protocols,” he reiterated.

A police official said that an FIR in the case was registered, and the accused was identified and arrested following an Intensive Strategic Operation. The accused Aqueel is a resident of Azadnagar.

Khan has been arrested and charged under relevant sections of the BNS. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Thursday, when the two cricketers, staying with their team at the hotel, stepped out for a walk towards a nearby cafe in the Khajrana Road area.

According to Sub-Inspector Nidhi Raghuvanshi, a man on a motorcycle began following them and allegedly touched one of the players inappropriately before speeding away.

The players immediately contacted their team’s security manager, Danny Simmons, who coordinated with local security officers and dispatched a vehicle for assistance. An SOS was also triggered through the team’s alert system, prompting a swift response from the police.

According to information, Assistant Commissioner of Police Himani Mishra later met the players, recorded their statements.

The incident occurred two days before Australia’s top-of-the-table clash against South Africa in the ongoing World Cup. The team had arrived in Indore a week earlier and had played a match against England on Wednesday.

–IANS

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