Phulbani (Orissa), Jul 27 (PTI) Five persons were sentenced to six years in jail by a fast track court here for setting on fire houses during the communal riots in tribal-dominated Kandhamal district 11 months ago.
Fast track court-I judge S K Das also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each on the convicts - Durbasa Kanhara, Bisara Kanhara, Rabi Kanhara, Gupteswar Kanhara and Naresh Kanhara of Salaguda village.
The convicts were also given an imprisonment for two years in a separate case of assembling in an unlawful manner along with weapons.
Two others - Umesh Kanhara and Sukdev Kanhara - were acquitted for lack of evidence in the case relating to attacking and torching of houses of minority members on September 13, 2008.
Orissa to develop 36 tourist destinations
The Orissa government plans to develop 36 tourist destinations in the state under various schemes. While 31 destinations are proposed to be refurbished under Destination Development Scheme (DDS) and Circuit Development Scheme (CDS), the remaining five locations will be developed under Mega Circuit Scheme.
The destinations like Sambalpur, Hirakud, Dhama, Pradhanpata, Khandadhar,Vedavyas, Pitamahal, Khinda, Deogarh, Debrigarh, Barabati, Paramhansa, Nemala, Churchika, Dhabaleswar, Tara Tarini, Rambha, Bhanjanagar are proposed to be developed under Destination Development Scheme (DDS) and Circuit Development Scheme (CDS).
Similarly, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput and Raygada will be developed under Mega Circuit Scheme (MSC). The state government has requested the Centre for development of these destinations, Debi Prasad Mishra, tourism minister said.
He said, the state government plans to develop the Samuka Sea-beach project and an aquarium at Puri. A maritime museum and an aquarium will be opened at the state museum. A tourism plaza will come up at Bhubaneswar and the government also plans to beautify the Ansupa lake.
The destinations like Sambalpur, Hirakud, Dhama, Pradhanpata, Khandadhar,Vedavyas, Pitamahal, Khinda, Deogarh, Debrigarh, Barabati, Paramhansa, Nemala, Churchika, Dhabaleswar, Tara Tarini, Rambha, Bhanjanagar are proposed to be developed under Destination Development Scheme (DDS) and Circuit Development Scheme (CDS).
Similarly, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput and Raygada will be developed under Mega Circuit Scheme (MSC). The state government has requested the Centre for development of these destinations, Debi Prasad Mishra, tourism minister said.
He said, the state government plans to develop the Samuka Sea-beach project and an aquarium at Puri. A maritime museum and an aquarium will be opened at the state museum. A tourism plaza will come up at Bhubaneswar and the government also plans to beautify the Ansupa lake.
Letter to CM by Professor Chitta Baral to have two campuses of IGNTU in Orissa: one in Kalahandi and other in Kandhamal
Original Trackback URL
Dear Esteemed Chief Minister and Higher Education Secretary:
Recently in response to an RTI query MHRD Delhi wrote that "it had already been decided by this Ministry that the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University could consider establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during the 11th Plan Period,subject to availability of resources."
This has now been reported in Samaja (see attachment) and possibly in other papers.
Earlier in December 2008 when Mr. Sharad Pawar was visiting Orissa, you had demanded that a branch of IGNTU be established in Kandhamal. (See Pioneer; Expressbuzz.com, Zee news, a PTI report in Hindu)
Please follow up on that and now that in their RTI response MHRD has mentioned Kalahandi, please ask for two campuses of IGNTU, one in Kalhandi and one in Kandhamala. They can not say NO to Kandhamala and since they have already mentioned Kalahandi in their RTI response they can not now say NO to that.
If it will help we can fax (or scan and email) a copy of the RTI response to your office.
sincerely
Chitta Baral
Professor, Arizona State University
Another Letter by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Karmee:
Respected Chief Minister of Orissa and Higher Education Secretary
Sirs,
I am sure, you are aware of the opening of regional centers of Indira
Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in the different states of
India. The University has special provisions for the admission of
women, and persons belonging to the weaker sections of the society (in
particular, the Scheduled Castes and scheduled Tribes).
Many districts of our state are predominantly inhabited by the tribal
communities. The higher education facilities and medical facilities in
these hill districts are inadequate.
This would be of great help in promoting education among the tribal
communities in Orissa; if regional campuses of the IGNTU will be
established in Kandhamal and Kalahandi.
Unfortunately both these places are well-known inside and outside the
country for wrong reasons.
Sirs,
Earlier in December 2008 your administration has proposed to the
central govt. for the opening of a branch of IGNTU in Kandhamal
(http://www.orissalinks.com/archives/1743). However, your forgetful
govt. has not followed up this matter.
Recently, in response to an RTI query MHRD Delhi wrote that "it had
already been decided by this Ministry that the IGNTU could consider
establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during
the 11th Plan Period, subject to availability of resources." This has
now been reported in various news papers.
Now, the state govt. should pursue this matter seriously, and ask for
two campuses of IGNTU, one in Kalahandi and one in Kandhamal. Also,
please ask for medical colleges in both the places as Orissa govt.
does not have enough funds for establishing govt. medical colleges in
these tribal dominated districts.
Thanking you with best regards,
Sanjib
--
Dr.Sanjib Kumar Karmee, PhD
Biocatalysis and Organic Chemistry group
Department of Biotechnology
Delft University of Technology
Julianalaan 136, 2628 BL Delft,
The Netherlands
My Version:
Dear honorable chief minister Mr. Patnaik,
You are well aware that Kalahandi has been struggling for a Central University since decades. Nothing had been achieved so far except recently proposed Engineering College by Orissa state Government.
Many people of Kalahandi also feel that at the last moment Orissa Government betrayed the feeling of local people by announcing the Central University of Orissa (CUO) in Koraput.
However, to know the fate of our petition to the central Government on CUO in Kalahandi through RTI route we were informed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India that “it had already been decided by this Ministry that the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) could consider establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during the 11th Plan Period, subject to availability of resources."
Though state Government had earlier proposed a similar branch of IGNTU in Phulbani in Dec 2008, the reply received from MHRD indicates the decision to establish one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi was made before Dec 2008.
The aspiration of people of Kalahandi to have Central University of Orissa in Kalahandi did not materialize due to larksome support received from the state Government. However, proposed off campus of IGNTU in Kalahandi by MHRD may release some of the ongoing tension for a Central University in the region.
IGNTU has already started its campuses in Amarkantak and Manipur. Now when the MHRD is willing to establish off campus of IGNTU in Kalahandi, we urge you to kindly expedite and facilitate the process so that an IGNTU establish it’s off campus with a medical college attached to it in Kalahandi from the academic year 2010-11.
If the state Government will support the long standing demand of Kalahandi people and take proper initiative IGNTU may be possible in Kalahandi from the coming academic year. State Govt. can also simultaneously pursue to establish another branch of IGNTU in Kandhamal.
I hope you will take appropriate action and write to the central Government to start off campus of IGNTU in Kalahandi.
Thank you and with best regards
Dear Esteemed Chief Minister and Higher Education Secretary:
Recently in response to an RTI query MHRD Delhi wrote that "it had already been decided by this Ministry that the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University could consider establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during the 11th Plan Period,subject to availability of resources."
This has now been reported in Samaja (see attachment) and possibly in other papers.
Earlier in December 2008 when Mr. Sharad Pawar was visiting Orissa, you had demanded that a branch of IGNTU be established in Kandhamal. (See Pioneer; Expressbuzz.com, Zee news, a PTI report in Hindu)
Please follow up on that and now that in their RTI response MHRD has mentioned Kalahandi, please ask for two campuses of IGNTU, one in Kalhandi and one in Kandhamala. They can not say NO to Kandhamala and since they have already mentioned Kalahandi in their RTI response they can not now say NO to that.
If it will help we can fax (or scan and email) a copy of the RTI response to your office.
sincerely
Chitta Baral
Professor, Arizona State University
Another Letter by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Karmee:
Respected Chief Minister of Orissa and Higher Education Secretary
Sirs,
I am sure, you are aware of the opening of regional centers of Indira
Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in the different states of
India. The University has special provisions for the admission of
women, and persons belonging to the weaker sections of the society (in
particular, the Scheduled Castes and scheduled Tribes).
Many districts of our state are predominantly inhabited by the tribal
communities. The higher education facilities and medical facilities in
these hill districts are inadequate.
This would be of great help in promoting education among the tribal
communities in Orissa; if regional campuses of the IGNTU will be
established in Kandhamal and Kalahandi.
Unfortunately both these places are well-known inside and outside the
country for wrong reasons.
Sirs,
Earlier in December 2008 your administration has proposed to the
central govt. for the opening of a branch of IGNTU in Kandhamal
(http://www.orissalinks.com/archives/1743). However, your forgetful
govt. has not followed up this matter.
Recently, in response to an RTI query MHRD Delhi wrote that "it had
already been decided by this Ministry that the IGNTU could consider
establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during
the 11th Plan Period, subject to availability of resources." This has
now been reported in various news papers.
Now, the state govt. should pursue this matter seriously, and ask for
two campuses of IGNTU, one in Kalahandi and one in Kandhamal. Also,
please ask for medical colleges in both the places as Orissa govt.
does not have enough funds for establishing govt. medical colleges in
these tribal dominated districts.
Thanking you with best regards,
Sanjib
--
Dr.Sanjib Kumar Karmee, PhD
Biocatalysis and Organic Chemistry group
Department of Biotechnology
Delft University of Technology
Julianalaan 136, 2628 BL Delft,
The Netherlands
My Version:
Dear honorable chief minister Mr. Patnaik,
You are well aware that Kalahandi has been struggling for a Central University since decades. Nothing had been achieved so far except recently proposed Engineering College by Orissa state Government.
Many people of Kalahandi also feel that at the last moment Orissa Government betrayed the feeling of local people by announcing the Central University of Orissa (CUO) in Koraput.
However, to know the fate of our petition to the central Government on CUO in Kalahandi through RTI route we were informed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India that “it had already been decided by this Ministry that the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) could consider establishment of one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi district during the 11th Plan Period, subject to availability of resources."
Though state Government had earlier proposed a similar branch of IGNTU in Phulbani in Dec 2008, the reply received from MHRD indicates the decision to establish one of its off-campuses in Kalahandi was made before Dec 2008.
The aspiration of people of Kalahandi to have Central University of Orissa in Kalahandi did not materialize due to larksome support received from the state Government. However, proposed off campus of IGNTU in Kalahandi by MHRD may release some of the ongoing tension for a Central University in the region.
IGNTU has already started its campuses in Amarkantak and Manipur. Now when the MHRD is willing to establish off campus of IGNTU in Kalahandi, we urge you to kindly expedite and facilitate the process so that an IGNTU establish it’s off campus with a medical college attached to it in Kalahandi from the academic year 2010-11.
If the state Government will support the long standing demand of Kalahandi people and take proper initiative IGNTU may be possible in Kalahandi from the coming academic year. State Govt. can also simultaneously pursue to establish another branch of IGNTU in Kandhamal.
I hope you will take appropriate action and write to the central Government to start off campus of IGNTU in Kalahandi.
Thank you and with best regards
Maoist couple Surrendered
BHUBANESWAR: A Maoist couple, allegedly involved in a dozen crimes, surrendered before the police at south Orissa town of Rayagada on
Wednesday.
Surendra Brekkeda (20) and his wife Jaya Ruppi (19) laid down arms and handed themselves to the police with a hope to start a normal life, Rayagada district superintendent of police Ashis Kumar Singh said.
The couple, the core committee members of the Vamsadhara division of the banned CPI (Maoist), are allegedly involved in serious crimes like murders and extortion, according to police.
They joined the outlawed outfit in 2003 and got married in 2005.
“We are fed up with Maoist violence. We want to begin a normal life by joining the mainstream,” police quoted the couple as saying.
The couple’s surrender came on the day when the Maoists called state-wide bandh in protest against the Centre’s decision to ban their organisation.
The Vamsadhara division, which is led by top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda – carried out major Maoist operations in Orissa, including the alleged murder of the Hindu preacher Swami Laxmanand Saraswati and four of his aides in Kandhamal district on August 23, last year.
The killings triggered large-scale communal violence in the district resulting in the death of at least 41 people and destruction of scores of churches in the district.
Wednesday.
Surendra Brekkeda (20) and his wife Jaya Ruppi (19) laid down arms and handed themselves to the police with a hope to start a normal life, Rayagada district superintendent of police Ashis Kumar Singh said.
The couple, the core committee members of the Vamsadhara division of the banned CPI (Maoist), are allegedly involved in serious crimes like murders and extortion, according to police.
They joined the outlawed outfit in 2003 and got married in 2005.
“We are fed up with Maoist violence. We want to begin a normal life by joining the mainstream,” police quoted the couple as saying.
The couple’s surrender came on the day when the Maoists called state-wide bandh in protest against the Centre’s decision to ban their organisation.
The Vamsadhara division, which is led by top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda – carried out major Maoist operations in Orissa, including the alleged murder of the Hindu preacher Swami Laxmanand Saraswati and four of his aides in Kandhamal district on August 23, last year.
The killings triggered large-scale communal violence in the district resulting in the death of at least 41 people and destruction of scores of churches in the district.
Maoists explode police outpost in Kandhamal
Phulbani (Orissa), July 18 (PTI) Armed Maoists triggered an explosion at a police outpost in Orissa's Kandhamal district, police said here today.
A group of ultras stormed into the outpost at Katingia in Bamunigaon area, about 145 km from here, late last night and set off an explosive device causing partial damage to the building, Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar said.
The Maoists, then ransacked the office causing extensive damage to the wireless communication system, furniture and documents after overpowering and tying up three security personnel, he said.
The attackers also set afire a portion of the building and a motorcycle parked outside before triggering the explosion, which caused partial damage to the outpost and a police personnel's residence nearby.
However, no police personnel have been injured in the attack, Kumar said.
A group of ultras stormed into the outpost at Katingia in Bamunigaon area, about 145 km from here, late last night and set off an explosive device causing partial damage to the building, Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar said.
The Maoists, then ransacked the office causing extensive damage to the wireless communication system, furniture and documents after overpowering and tying up three security personnel, he said.
The attackers also set afire a portion of the building and a motorcycle parked outside before triggering the explosion, which caused partial damage to the outpost and a police personnel's residence nearby.
However, no police personnel have been injured in the attack, Kumar said.
Kandhamal riots a black spot in Orissa: PC
Bhubaneswar: Though the strife-torn Kandhamal is calm since past few months, Union Home minister P Chidambaram preferred to go to the flashback and described the Kandhamal riots as a ‘black spot’ in the history of Orissa.
While replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Chidambaram said that the reputation of the state government has been slurred due to the anti-Christian violence in August last year.
“A large number of people were displaced in Kandhamal. 800 to 900 displaced people are still in relief camps,” he said. “It is shame that minorities were targeted,” he added.
Earlier BJP MP Rudra Narayan Pani alleged that Christian missionaries had an unholy alliance with Naxalites and referred to the killing of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati in August last year.
Chidambaram said the state government made some arrests and pointed out that one of them has taken oath as MLA in Orissa.
It many be mentioned that Chidambaram had visited Kandhamal last month and said sorry to the riot victims holed up in camps. He had also requested the victims to shed fear and return to their houses. He also assured them protection through a concerted effort by Centre and State.
While replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Chidambaram said that the reputation of the state government has been slurred due to the anti-Christian violence in August last year.
“A large number of people were displaced in Kandhamal. 800 to 900 displaced people are still in relief camps,” he said. “It is shame that minorities were targeted,” he added.
Earlier BJP MP Rudra Narayan Pani alleged that Christian missionaries had an unholy alliance with Naxalites and referred to the killing of Swami Laxamananda Saraswati in August last year.
Chidambaram said the state government made some arrests and pointed out that one of them has taken oath as MLA in Orissa.
It many be mentioned that Chidambaram had visited Kandhamal last month and said sorry to the riot victims holed up in camps. He had also requested the victims to shed fear and return to their houses. He also assured them protection through a concerted effort by Centre and State.
Orissa disburses Rs 42.3 Lakhs for church repair in Kandhamal
Bhubaneswar (PTI): The Orissa government on Wednesday said it has disbursed Rs 42.3 lakh as assistance for repair of church and prayer houses damaged during communal violence last year.
This was stated by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister S N Patro while replying to a question in the assembly.
Stating that 196 churches and prayer houses were damaged during riot in Kandhamal, Mr. Patro said six prayer halls were also vandalised in Bargarh district.
Communal violence broke out in Kandhamal and spread to other districts in the aftermath of VHP leader Laxmananada Saraswati's killing in August 2008.
Regarding assistance to a prayer hall at Tentuli Jharia under Talsara block in Kalahandi district, the minister said that the government was awaiting a report from the concerned collector before sanctioning repair assistance.
"The prayer halls in Bargarh were given Rs 10,000 each for repair work," Mr. Patro said.
The government's financial assistance to places of worship damaged during riot came a day after the Centre made public that it had disbursed Rs 1.05 crore to riot victims in Kandhamal.
This was for the first time in the history of Orissa that financial assistance was provided for repair and re-building of religious institutions, official sources said.
This was stated by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister S N Patro while replying to a question in the assembly.
Stating that 196 churches and prayer houses were damaged during riot in Kandhamal, Mr. Patro said six prayer halls were also vandalised in Bargarh district.
Communal violence broke out in Kandhamal and spread to other districts in the aftermath of VHP leader Laxmananada Saraswati's killing in August 2008.
Regarding assistance to a prayer hall at Tentuli Jharia under Talsara block in Kalahandi district, the minister said that the government was awaiting a report from the concerned collector before sanctioning repair assistance.
"The prayer halls in Bargarh were given Rs 10,000 each for repair work," Mr. Patro said.
The government's financial assistance to places of worship damaged during riot came a day after the Centre made public that it had disbursed Rs 1.05 crore to riot victims in Kandhamal.
This was for the first time in the history of Orissa that financial assistance was provided for repair and re-building of religious institutions, official sources said.
Govt disburses Rs 1.05 cr to Kandhamal riot victims
NEW DELHI: The government said it has disbursed Rs 1.05 crore as assistance among 35 families affected during last year's communal violence in
Kandhamal district of Orissa.
Under the Central Scheme of 'Assistance To Victims Of Terrorist and Communal Violence', which came into effect from April 1, 2008, an amount of Rs three lakh is given to the next of kin of the deceased, a home ministry spokesperson said.
The Central scheme aims at providing assistance to the next of kin of victims of terrorist, including militancy and insurgency, and communal violence.
Kandhamal district of Orissa.
Under the Central Scheme of 'Assistance To Victims Of Terrorist and Communal Violence', which came into effect from April 1, 2008, an amount of Rs three lakh is given to the next of kin of the deceased, a home ministry spokesperson said.
The Central scheme aims at providing assistance to the next of kin of victims of terrorist, including militancy and insurgency, and communal violence.
CRPF withdrawn from Kandhamal
BHUBANESWAR: The last four companies of the Central Reserve Police Force personnel deployed in Kandhamal district of Orissa were withdrawn on Wednesday, according to Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar.
More than 50 companies of the Central forces were deployed in the district when anti-Christian riots raged after Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati was killed on August 23 last.
In another development, 300 people have returned to their villages from the relief camps that were set up during the riots.
More than 1,000 people have still been living in the camps.
Meanwhile, the S.C. Mohapatra commission of inquiry that probed the riots submitted its interim report to the State government. It suggested remedial measures.
More than 50 companies of the Central forces were deployed in the district when anti-Christian riots raged after Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Lakshmanananda Saraswati was killed on August 23 last.
In another development, 300 people have returned to their villages from the relief camps that were set up during the riots.
More than 1,000 people have still been living in the camps.
Meanwhile, the S.C. Mohapatra commission of inquiry that probed the riots submitted its interim report to the State government. It suggested remedial measures.
First conviction in Kandhamal riot case
A Phulbani fast track court on Tuesday convicted a person for his involvement in the Kandhamal riots, follwing the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati in August last year.
Chakradhar Mallik of Daringbadi area was arrested on charges of arson and other cases.
The court sent him to two years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000. Mallik was the first person to be convicted in the Kandhamal case
Violence Videos
Violence Video 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0G0wwovu7I
Violence Video 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7y_kLQ3u0k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0G0wwovu7I
Violence Video 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7y_kLQ3u0k
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