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Volume 08 | Issue 29 May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Price `10

Lightning strike kills 18 jumbos, COVID 19 crisis creates oxygen black Despite official orders clinics fingers point towards habitat market in & hospitals run unregulated rates of protection & safety COVID tests

INSIDE PG 03 PG 05 PG 07 Mantra of Rise in insurgency, perform or NRC reverification perish to be & CAA execution top priority key challenges for for Sarma CM Himanta

G Plus News release, abduction of three ONGC test the nerves of the Bharatiya government employees of which one is still (BJP) leader as a chief @guwahatiplus captive with ULFA (I), are cases minister. in point that will surely not NRC is a sensitive issue and ther than managing make the job easier for the newly depending on how the court COVID-19 situation appointed chief minister. responds it will likely trigger PG No in the state, the new Notably, after taking the responses from those who got - 02 chief minister Himanta oath, Sarma in his first media their names in the final list and Biswa Sarma faces interaction called out the the 19 lakhs people who were left Osome critical challenges such as insurgent outfit ULFA Chief out from the final roll. reining in insurgent activities Paresh Barua to shun the path of Sarma is a master strategist, which are raising their ugly head violence and join the mainstream. and his political acumen has so again in Assam, re-verification of Sarma categorically stated far been hardly matched by his the National Register of Citizens that both the government and rivals in Assam. But the issue of (NRC), and implementation of the outfit have to make moves NRC will be a litmus test for him the controversial Citizenship towards the negotiating table to as the chief minister of Assam. Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 as make peace a long-lasting affair He will also be tested when it soon as it gets the nod from the in the state. comes to implementation of the Centre. Besides this, Sarma also faces CAA. The central government has Within days of taking over the some tougher challenges - that of sought time from Parliament for charge, two people were killed by the issue of re-verification of NRC framing the rules for the CAA. It a grenade blast in oil town Digboi and the implementation of the is learned that both the Lok Sabha Scooters for in Upper Assam. The proscribed CAA. Detailing out his plans on and the Rajya Sabha through ULFA (Independent) has denied the NRC, Sarma said that the state the committees on subordinate its involvement in the incident government will file a petition on legislations are likely to grant an and has alleged that “some the Supreme Court demanding adjournment of the Union Home girl students miscreants” are trying to create re-verification of 20 percent of Ministry’s request. disturbance in upper Assam to names in the final list of NRC. The CAA formed part of the put the government in a troubling NRC Coordinator Hitesh Dev BJP’s election manifesto in the situation when the state is reeling Sarma has filed a petition in recently concluded Assembly remain unused in under COVID-19 crisis. the Supreme Court seeking a . For Chief Minister Sarma the complete, comprehensive, and If Sarma succeeds in task is cut out, the insurgent time-bound re-verification of the maneuvering these challenges, activities which were at their NRC. So now if the court agrees especially that of insurgency and Maligaon school lowest ebb in the state in the to the demand, how the entire NRC, issues which he has flagged last ten years are again starting re-verification exercise will be out immediately after taking oath to make headlines. The recent carried out will defiantly occupy as the chief minister of Assam, he Full Story on PG No. 04 kidnapping of two Quippo the center stage of politics in could start on a high note in the employees and their subsequent Assam and and will also hot seat. 2 Lead Story | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Mantra of perform or perish to be top priority for Sarma government

G Plus News Hazarika and @guwahatiplus Sanjay Kishan have been elevated to cabinet rank imanta Biswa Sarma ministers. was sworn in on While many Monday as the 15th Chief of the cabinet Minister of Assam. A ministers are 13-member Cabinet experienced Halso took oath of office along and have held with him. The new team under ministerial Sarma is a diverse make up of responsibilities people from all across the state before, given and from different social and Chief Minister political backgrounds. Sarma’s enigmatic Of the 13 members, there persona and also are six new faces – Assam the tendency to (BJP) micromanage, president Ranjeet Kumar Dass talks of whether who is now a minister in the the ministers in cabinet. The other new faces are the cabinet will Ajanta Neog, a former Assam perform to the minister and a former five-time expectations Congress MLA from , which has been Group photo of the newly sworn in cabinet ministers of Assam during oath taking ceremony | G Plus Photo Bimal Borah, MLA from the set by the chief Tingkhong constituency, Dr minister are already doing the department which looks after during Congress rule. She was he would visit Nagaon where Ranuj Pegu, MLA from Dhemaji rounds in the political corridor. interest of the city. However, minister in PWD and Social 18 elephants were killed by and former chief executive A BJP state level executive some other members of the Welfare departments and her lightening, said that instructions member of Missing Autonomous member talking to G Plus said party are confident that he will performance is considered came from the chief minister. Council, Ashok Singhal, MLA on condition of anonymity, perform well as he is from decent. Similarly, Chandra Mohan from Dhekiajuli who is also a “It would be very challenging real estate background and Even though Sarma has not Patowary after checking the former Assam BJP spokesman, for Keshav Mahanta to handle understand the planning part kept health or finance with him, COVID-19 preparedness in secretary and treasurer of the health as any city better. the possibility of him taking back Udalguri informed about the party and the well-known writer as a health minister has set a According to the BJP state these ministries if the ministers meeting tagging the chief and winner of Sahitya Akademi benchmark during Covid crisis executive member, “Singhal incharge do not perform as per minister on his social media Award from Bodoland Urkhao last year, and this year the will be a better performer than the expectations which has set post. Gwra Brahma of the United 2nd wave is more serious and Siddhartha Bhattacharya.” by him cannot be ruled out. Chief Minister’s Sarma’s social People’s Party Liberal (UPPL). crucial.” Mahanta is the AGP’s Bhattacharya did not get any “Everyone in his cabinet will media team is very prompt but Brahma won the election from working president and a former ministry in newly formed state have to perform to keep their now even the other cabinet the Chapaguri seat. Water Resources Minister in the cabinet headed by Sarma. It ministries intact,” said the BJP ministers are seen following Senior BJP leader Chandra Sonowal cabinet. needs to be mentioned that it state executive member. their present chief minister in Mohan Patowary and Ason The allocation of the Guwahati was Bhattacharya as the state It has also seen in the social communicating through the Gana Parishad (AGP) President Development Department to BJP president in 2015 who was media that any minister after social media. continue to remain Ashok Singhal has also raised largely instrumental in getting carrying out their departmental Well time will tell who all as ministers. They were some brows and concerns Himanta into the BJP. work make a mention of the fact performs but it should not be cabinet minister in the earlier amongst BJP insiders. As Singhal The handing of the important that they were instructed by the a one man show or else no one led is not from Guwahati, doubts finance portfolio to Neog has chief minister to do so. Forest will get opportunity to work and government. Former ministers are being expressed on how he not come as a surprise given Minister Shuklabaidya after show their capability as people’s of state Jogen Mohan, Pijush would perform as head a key her experience as a minister announcing in social media that representatives. COVID-19 spike and lockdown woes: Who is responsible?

different and as Assam is under visits the market creating more For instance, people are irked at the of our countrymen who went G Plus News @guwahatiplus partial lockdown now, who is chaos. Though post 2 pm the virus authorities for not regulating rise holidaying in early this responsible for such a scenario and is contained, but the spread already in prices during such times. The year or gleefully held parties what are the reasons that is making takes place between 10 am to 1 pm. price of mustard oil has suddenly and large gatherings were not n a recent risk assessment of people to suffer like they are. It is difficult to say if such shot up Rs 170 per litre (Ramdev instructed by the politicians to the COVID-19 situation in India Scientists have claimed that observations have any scientific brand) and the cheapest which do so. Even now people don’t the World Health Organization election may not be the only reason basis as these are not backed by used to sell for Rs 90 (Gokul) sells take the disease seriously. The (WHO) said that there were for such a scenario in Assam and data. But we also cannot dismiss the for Rs 140 per litre. Similarly, after strategy by authorities are also many possible contributing that people who came from outside fact there is rush at regular shops the authorities closed the daily and questionable as when two weeks Ifactors including “several religious brought the mutant strains into the and also in those which provide haat bazaars for 15 days, potato complete lockdown is decreasing and political mass meeting events population. But the fact remains cheaper goods continues during prices have gone up from Rs 10 per cases in Mumbai and Delhi, why is that increased social mixing,” that people are suffering and there no lockdown timing (5 am to 1 pm). kilo to Rs 20 per kilo. Guwahati stuck to partial lockdown had led to the “resurgence had to be a super spreader event Even if we don’t have answers and There are also instances of the increasing chaos for all during and acceleration” of COVID-19 for the kind of spike we are saying. science to back people’s concerns people purchasing goods from curfew hours and increasing transmission in the country. Talking Talking to G Plus a resident of but common sense would have it back doors during curfew hours, risks during non curfew hours? about Assam, just few days before Jyotikuchi, Kedar Nath expressed that a crowded place can only add inspite of the strict warnings to the Looks like everyone is equally Bihu, the present chief minister his angst and said, “The authorities to the problem. businesses and the public. Who is responsible. Himanta Biswa Sarma had claimed are responsible for further On the other had even if we responsible for that, the public or Therefore, it is but legitimate to that there was no Coronavirus in escalating the crisis as till 1 pm all are to agree that the government the enforcing agencies? ask the question which everyone is Assam and wearing mask was not spreading of the virus is done.” He decision of partial lockdown is We need to accept that the asking, that is: who is responsible important then. Well, it might have explained that businesses are open correct, yet we must also look at politicians do not decide what we for the chaos now? Public or been true but the situation now is from 10 am to 1 pm and everyone the pros and cons of such decisions. do in our everyday lives. Several authorities? | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 In The News 3 Lightning strike kills 18 jumbos, fingers point towards habitat protection & safety

Nibir Deka under Section 50 (8)(a)(b)(c)(d) of @nibirdeka the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 to investigate into the death of the elephants. The investigating n a tragic incident as many as officer will be assisted by qualified 18 elephants died at Bamuni veterinarians. Hills on the peripheries of According to the official Barhampur, in Nagaon on order the investigating officer is Thursday. The pachyderms allowed to undertake a detailed Iare said have been from the same investigation of the local site herd that resided in the jungle. including water and salt lick Though the cause of death quality and may engage experts of the elephants have been and agencies for the purpose, and attributed to lightning based carry out detailed fact-finding on initial investigation, nothing from fringe communities and first can be said unless a thorough informants. inquiry is made into the incident. In fact the government too is Terms and conditions not leaving anything to chance for the inquiry and has ordered a complete investigation headed by AFS, Some of the terms and Deputy Conservator of Forest conditions of the investigation (Publicity) K.K. Deori. which is to be carried out under As soon as the news broke the relevant provisions of the out, former Chief Minister Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted required the veterinary team to Carcasses of elephants killed at Bamuni Hills in Nagaon | G Plus Photo calling it “a tragedy and a big carry out a detailed post mortem of loss.” His successor and present the elephants including collection too sure even as they pointed to above three [clarification needed] The Divisional Forest Officer, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa and examination of samples for a tree, which has been sliced into combined. Guwahati Wildlife Division Sarma responded by sending all relevant investigations in half and burned down. Jayanta Deka had earlier told Environment and forest minister order to establish the actual cause The ground report from the site Beyond the bigger G Plus that, “People have Parimal Suklabadiya to the site of of death of the elephants. The on Friday revealed that the most issues: the existence of encroached upon the elephant the incident to assess the ground veterinary team also has to submit possible cause of death is due to habitat which has hindered situation. a preliminary report within three lightening. The images of trees elephants the elephant corridor.” The Accompanied by top officers days and the final report within 15 have clear impacts of a lightening While the real reasons will traditional corridors have been in of the environment and forest days from the date of issue of the strike. The designated team will come soon after the investigation the Sonapur- route which department and a team of order. submit official report in the next is completed, the cause of the has also been disrupted. This veterinarians and wildlife two days. At this stage concerns of deaths has raised the issues of makes them enter the city as they specialists the minister reached Differing views and poisoning have to be established loss of elephant habitat. are unable to utilise the original the site of the incident on Friday opinions as ground evidence suggest that This reporter had earlier filed corridors. As per the forest morning. After assessing the lightning must have been the an RTI to the Principal Chief officials, the people evicted from situation Suklabadiya said that the Environmentalists and social probable cause. Conservator of Forest & Head the area come back again. elephants appeared to have died activists closely following wildlife “Till this morning I also thought of Forest Force which shows probably due to lightning as there and environment conservation possible poisoning, but after that over the last four years, 57 Future course of action was no visible signs of struggle activities are sceptical of the getting images from the ground, I elephants in Assam have died The ensuing situation before they died. However, he also reason that has been shown as the feel lightening seems the possible from electrocution, 22 have died highlights that in the coming said that the exact reason for their reason for the death of elephants. cause as of now. However team of from train accidents and 5 from years, the elephant-human tragic death will come out into the Dilip Nath, a social activist from investigators are investigating all poaching. These man-inflicted conflict occurrences will only open following the submission of Tezpur refuted the claims of the other aspects and their technical deaths are an account of the increase in the state. As such, it the post mortem report as well as lightning strike saying, “I can’t and scientific report will reflect human-animal conflicts in the is important to take protective the inquiry report. fathom how so many elephants what actually caused such a state. A particular factor in the measures regarding the situation. Meanwhile, a search operation can die from lightning. I don’t large scale death of elephants,” data is that 95 deaths have been The crux of the problem related was initiated by the Nagaon forest think the magnitude of the deaths said Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, attributed to unknown reasons. to increasing conflict between authorities to recovering the have ever occurred in any other Environmentalist and President “The loss of habitat is a reality. human and wildlife has caused bodies of the elephants. part of the world.” of Aranyak an NGO working on The recent deaths might not be the decline of habitats. Deaths by lightning have earlier wildlife conservation in Assam. linked to it, but the areas where According to Talukdar The framework of the surfaced in India, such as the Ground current or the “step elephants have traditionally of Aaranyak, “For the long government inquiry deaths of five elephants in Baksa potential” which is associated have wiped out by brazen term solution to reduce such in 2006. The sheer numbers of the with current discharge and deforestation. The latest to join increasing incidences of Human The investigation report has to death have even bamboozled the conductivity is also not being this is the Karbi Anglong forest,” Wildlife Conflict (HWC), the be submitted within seven days experts. ruled out. The near-instantaneous said an official from the Wildlife need is to focus on restoration from the date of issue of the order However, nothing can be rate of discharge causes a potential Trust of India. of the degraded habitat.” He by the Office of the Principal Chief concluded without the proper (difference) over distance, which In Guwahati, the problems have says that along with the long Conservator Of Forests (Wildlife) report. “See we have to first get may amount to several thousand taken another dimension with term approach, short term and Chief Wildlife Warden. the report to address the concerns volts per linear foot. According the increasing population and approach should be to disburse The inquiry led by Deputy raised, which includes poisoning to National Weather Services this concretisation in the city. There the compensation or ex-gratia Conservator of Forest, Deori or any other issue,” an official phenomenon (also responsible for are instances of elephants going to human victims of HWC so under the provision of Section from the Wildlife Trust of India reports of mass reindeer deaths rogue in the city. There are two that animosity could be reduced 50(8) of the Wild Life (Protection) (WTI) told G Plus. due to lightning storms) leads to major hotspots in Guwahati in through quick disbursement of Act, 1972 is vested with powers Locals from the area seem not more injuries and deaths than the Panbari and Deepor Beel. compensation or ex-gratia. 4 In The News | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Scooters for girl students remain unused in Maligaon school

Few residents have claimed the distribution Nibir Deka @nibirdeka the scooter to be used for the for the batches of healthcare staff if the government 2018-19 and 2019-20 doesn’t intend to utilize them for have not yet been he scooters to be the students. completed. G Plus distributed under the The former Education minister spoke to an official Assam Higher Secondary Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma had from the Directorate Education Council announced on August 18 that in of Higher Education, (AHSEC) Scooty Scheme the first batch, 22,000 girl students who claimed that Tunder the Pragyan Bharati remain who had secured 1st division in the Model Code unused. higher secondary examination of Conduct (MCC) Over 200 scooters have been 2020-21 will be given scooters in hindered the lying idle for the past two months December. distribution of the at the Maligaon High School in Later, an announcement was scooters. Guwahati. The scooters have been made that girl students of the “We have exposed to rains and had been 2018-19 batch and 2019-20 batch successfully covered in weed, which was only will also get scooters. distributed the 2020 cleared recently. The covering This was done in order to batch but for the which was placed earlier was also facilitate girls from going to previous batches, nowhere to be found when G Plus colleges without any hassle. only 50% have been Unused scooters at Maligaon High School in Guwahati | G Plus Photo visited the school premises. The approximate cost of each completed,” added “We don’t know when these scooter was Rs 50-55 thousand. the official. vehicles will be taken from here. This means that approximately The MCC was enforced in announcement of the election It is designed to avert practices Maybe after the distribution is Rs 1 crore worth of scooters are Assam since the poll dates were schedule by the commission for that are deemed corrupt under done completely,” a staff member parked at the Maligaon school announced first on February the need of ensuring free and the MCC. For example, politicians from the school told G Plus. campus. 26 and had remained till the fair elections. Its main purpose should not make hate speeches, Similar cases of scooters lying Although the distribution for completion of the election is to ensure that ruling parties, putting one community against unused have been reported in the 2020 batch has been completed process on May 2. at the Centre and in the States, another, or make promises about other government institutions and many meritorious girls have The MCC comes into do not misuse their position of new projects that may sway a without any use across Assam. received the scooters for free, force immediately on the advantage to gain an unfair edge. voter. Inoculation of children and young adults to begin amid vaccination shortage

Angita Mahanta in India. The approval has been the young adults will be eligible permission to start phase 2 and drive for the 18-44 age group on @guwahatiplus granted for testing the vaccine for vaccination. UK and US are phase 3 trials for vaccines on May 1. After a four-day delay, the on children between the age probably the only countries children. India is suffering from drive began in Assam on May 5 group of 2 and 18 years of age. that have started vaccinating both - a shortage of vaccines and however city residents have been ver 25.5 lakh people in The trials have been planned certain age groups below 18. a record surge in new infections. struggling since, and on many the state of Assam have to be conducted among over So gradually, the safety of the Therefore, the Centre is taking occasions, they have been turned received the first dose 500 participants at multiple vaccination will be established several key decisions to enhance down because the centres didn’t of the COVID-19 vaccine locations. The hospitals include like it is established in adults the vaccination program amid have enough doses left. As a and over 7.2 lakh people the All India Institute of Medical now. I am sure that other the call for a crisis. Only recently, result, the state government was Ohave received the second dose Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, and countries will also join in and the government said it received compelled to open the booking till May 14, 2021, bringing the AIIMS Patna, among others. once we know that vaccinating 150,000 doses of Russia’s Sputnik of slots on the CoWIN portal state one step closer to the end of The aim of conducting these children is safe, India should go V vaccine and that “millions after 4 PM every day depending the pandemic. trials will be to evaluate the ahead and vaccinate the children of doses” more will be made on the availability of doses in However, a large segment of vaccine in children for safety, as well.” available in the country in five vaccination centers. So this the population, teenagers under reactions, and immunity. All the Dr Bora also informed that months between August and begs the question, due to lack of the age of 18, pre-teens, and parameters like is it safe, is it as the children mingle with December, enough to vaccinate clarity from the Centre, if there children are yet to be vaccinated. high risks, is there any long-term adults, they have the ability the entire population. India has is to be another vaccination drive Children and younger side effect, among other new to act as potential carriers, so also asked Johnson & Johnson approved for children and young adolescents, under the age of 18, and perplexing realities have vaccinating them becomes all and Moderna to sell their adults below the age of 18 years, are still not eligible to receive added to the parent’s stress. “It the more crucial. “It is important vaccines to the country. what really is the government’s a COVID-19 vaccine in India. is good to know that the trials to vaccinate children first US pharmaceutical plan and approach? Having said that, the trial run for for coronavirus vaccination on because if they get infected, it company Pfizer is in the indigenous ‘covaxin’ vaccine kids are starting, but when can I gets harder to isolate them and fresh talks with the manufactured by Bharat Biotech expect my kid to get vaccinated? they will potentially put their Indian government over in collaboration with the Indian Will it be available in abundance parents as well as grandparents an “expedited approval Council of Medical Research for all kids under 18?” asked a at high risks. To reduce this pathway” for its COVID-19 (ICMR) and National Institute parent of a 6-year-old, Dorimi type of scenario, vaccination in vaccine. India aims to of Virology (NIV), has been Borah. children becomes important. vaccinate 250 million “priority approved. Bharat Biotech has Earlier, G Plus asked the Secondly, since there is no cure, people” by the end of July. But received approval from India’s question about children below after the parents are vaccinated, experts say that the pace of drugs regulator to conduct the age of 18 getting vaccinated no parent would want their child vaccination has been slow and clinical trials on children for to Prakritish Bora, Paediatrician, to be at risk, vaccinating them unless the drive is scaled up, the the COVID-19 vaccine making it Excelcare Hospitals. He said, would be unavoidable,” he added. target could be missed. the first coronavirus vaccine to “When we have a larger surplus The Drugs Controller General Meanwhile, the government be tested on kids and teenagers of vaccines available, I am sure of India (DCGI) has given of India started the vaccination | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 In The News 5 COVID 19 crisis creates oxygen black market in Assam

government’s constant claims marketing Angita Mahanta about having enough oxygen of oxygen @guwahatiplus supply, the real problem is cylinders. getting it to people in need. As “Till now the saying goes, desperate times we have not he unparallel crisis call for desperate measures, received for oxygen that the many are paying hefty amounts any such country has witnessed of money to buy oxygen cylinders complaint only recently, whether on the black market. regarding the to remedy a COVID-19 “I urged the distributors to issue, and Tpatient or a terminally ill patient take the standard tariff price should there or otherwise - as if begging for a and also offered to pay the extra be any such little air to keep alive for a little cargo charge that is required complaints longer, is going to become such to carry the shipment, but they in the future, an expensive affair, who would refused. I had a talk with two we will have thought. The arrangement different distributors based out investigate of an oxygen cylinder at these of Guwahati. They are selling and take times of distress has become cylinders with only gas, without lawful action the most important commodity the medical accessories, within against it,” and a major concern, especially the range of Rs 13000-15000 per said Numal for the members of a patient’s cylinder. The accessories that Mahatta, family. Medical oxygen is a come along with it would itself Additional life-saving source and for that cost around Rs 3000 extra. They Deputy very reason, a flourishing black are adamant that they cannot Oxygen cylinder at MMCH | File Photo market is deceiving the hapless lower the price as the demand for people across the state of Assam. medical oxygen has risen. One Commissioner of Police, West during a visit to the a striving black market where Loved ones are desperately of them even told me that in the Gauhati. Swahid Mukunda Kakati Civil the average price for oxygen trying to score whatever little Panbazar area, one cylinder is In the same vein, commissioner Hospital where he visited to take has skyrocketed. And desperate supply of oxygen, the government being bought for not less than Rs of police Munna Prasad Gupta stock of the COVID situation. buyers are turning to these is so preciously guarding, is left 20000, so they certainly cannot told G Plus, “While the police Despite the availability, there is ruthless sellers amidst a record- in an effort to buy some more compromise. This is after I told don’t control the price of medical no denying that there is already breaking COVID-19 surge. time in this pandemic-stricken them it is a medical emergency equipment, nation. and people cannot afford to pay we have not “I bought two oxygen double or triple the actual price,” received any cylinders for Rs 25,000 from informed another resident of complaints in Jainex Company. Ideally, the Guwahati. this matter so rate is Rs 7200 and these people Meanwhile, a supplier far.” are selling it at double the price, and manufacturer of oxygen As they are charging as much as cylinders from Rajasthan coronavirus Rs 13,000 per oxygen cylinder. confirmed that the oxygen cases continue Moreover, the distributors were cylinders are coming into the to surge in the not ready to issue any sort of bill state of Assam via flights in state, health care against the purchase. It was only couriers because of which an facilities are also after I had a talk with the owner, extra cargo charge is expected. in a constant that they provided me with a “At least 50 oxygen cylinders are struggle to hand-written slip,” a resident of arriving in couriers on SpiceJet ensure the Athgaon told G Plus. flights to meet the increased daily supply of oxygen Some private distributors are demand. The rate of the liquid meets the making money out of this crisis. gas as well as that of the cylinder demand. And They are charging more than the hasn’t changed. However, a cargo while hospitals tariff decided by the government charge will be asked, which and patients and taking advantage of people should be expected,” the supplier are running in these desperate times. informed. from pillar to “My mother is terminally “There is indeed an increase post, the state ill, and oxygen cylinders have in the demand for oxygen all government become an essential part of our over India, it has become very maintains that household. Earlier, the oxygen difficult for us. We still charge there is no cylinders were available within only Rs 110 for the liquid gas, not need for panic the 7-8 thousand bracket but a penny more. We have helped and only in the ever since the second wave of the people in times of need, we made worst situation, COVID-19 got worse, the prices sure oxygen reaches them even Assam may have just doubled, as if overnight. at odd hours. We don’t know need oxygen And, at our last purchase, we paid why they are charging more in supply in bulk. double the usual price. We have Assam, there is still availability Recently, the no other choice, we desperately here. In states like Maharashtra, newly appointed need it and moreover, the the demand is much higher and Health Minister, distributors informed us that there is a crisis as well. They Keshab Mahanta they were quickly running out of shouldn’t be charging more announced stock. Given such unprecedented than the standard price, only that all the situations, we have no other the additional cargo charges civil hospitals options but to pay heavy prices to should be demanded because in Assam will the money-making marketers,” of the increased logistics and have their own Mahamaya Ghosh, a resident of transport,” the manufacturer oxygen plants Lal Ganesh shared her woes with added. in the next one G Plus. Meanwhile, the Guwahati city month time. The With a record-breaking spike police have not received any minister made in the daily death toll and the complaints regarding the black the statement 6 City | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Himanta Biswa Sarma: First Assam CM from present day Guwahati post-independent India Sarma) wanted to do, he would do Nibir Deka try his best to get it done.” @nibirdeka Sarma will be the first Chief Minister from the Guwahati enior leader of the unit of Bharatiya Janata Party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the second BJP Chief (BJP), Dr Himanta Biswa Minister of all time in Assam Sarma has become the after Sarbananda Sonowal. “The first Chief Minister Guwahati BJP unit has also stated S(CM) of Assam in Independent that Himanta Biswa Sarma is India, to be raised in present-day the first from Guwahati BJP to Guwahati. become the CM,” Mrigen Sarania, Although technically Sarma BJP Guwahati City District was born on February 1, 1969, in President. Jorhat to parents Kailash Nath Sarma and Mrinalini Devi, the The earlier Chief family later shifted to Guwahati Ministers and he was raised in Gandhi Basti, Ulubari. Before India’s Independence, The residents near the Kali the equivalent to the Chief Mandir area of Gandhi Basti still Ministerial position was called the recall the vibrant Sarma. “He Premier. In that case, the Premier was ten years ahead of his age Sir Muhammad Saadullah was group and was very focused. also born at Lakhtokia, Guwahati Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during oath taking ceremony | G Plus Photo Although he was my junior, I on May 21, 1885. He originally could see the proactiveness in belonged to Kacharihat, a village him and he always stood out,” near the town of Golaghat. As the famous MMCH hospital is urban core of the district out of and Jalukbari. Himanta Biswa recalls Prasanta Sarma, a native such, Sarma is the only CM after situated at Panbazar - was born once Unidivided . Sarma has been the legislator of of Gandhibasti, Guwahati. Independent India to be raised in at Nawgaon (near ) in Thus, both Bordoloi and Jalukbari since 2001, winning it Sarma started his political Guwahati. the undivided Kamrup district. Choudhury were very much for 5 consecutive terms. journey from Guwahati served Meanwhile, Himanta Biswa Bishnu Ram Medhi, who served Guwahatians as their political as the General Secretary (GS) of Sarma is not the first Guwahati as CM from August 9, 1950, to and education journey is based The angle Cotton College Student’s Union legislator to become the CM. December 27, 1957, was born in the city, but by the virtue of Sarma will also be the first from 1991 to 1992. Later, he had won in the then undivided Kamrup upbringing they belonged to CM from lower Assam since completed his Post Graduation from the then South Gauhati district at Hajo. various places across Assam. Sarat Chandra Sinha (January in political science from Cotton constituency. After the Bordoloi was even part of the 31, 1972- March 12, 1978). Earlier, College, Guwahati in 1992. Independence of India, Mahendra The Guwahati famous Sonaram High School, from Belsor, “We were in the same Lower Mohan Choudhury had won from connection Guwahati in 1917 and was elected Nalbari served as the CM from Primary school and later did the East Gauhati constituency in as the Chairman of Guwahati April 22, 1996, to May 14, 1996, student politics together. I was 1967, who later served as the chief Guwahati was part of the same Municipal Board in 1934. and he didn’t complete a full from Cotton Collegiate and he minister from November 11, 1970, undivided Kamrup district. In In comparison to that, Himanta term. Similarly, Anowara Taimur was from Kamrup Academy. I to January 30, 1972. However, 1983, Barpeta district was split Biswa Sarma will be the first CM (who was the GS of Barpeta remember jamming with him the Bharat Ratna Gopinath from Kamrup, and Nalbari district in post-Independence India to District Mahila Samity) also with musical instruments,” said Bordoloi was born at Raha in was then similarly split off on be raised in the current Kamrup didn’t complete the full term in Bhupen Medhi, a childhood friend Nagaon district on June 6. On the August 14, 1985. On February 3, (M) area, which constitutes office and was the Assam CM of Sarma. Medhi further stated, other hand, Mahendra Mohan 2003, the Kamrup Metropolitan four constituencies of Gauhati from December 6, 1980, to June “Whatever he (Himanta Biswa Choudhury - under whose name district was formed to cover the East, Gauhati West, 30, 1981. Look Back - Students of Cotton College who went on to serve Assam as Chief Minister

CM had passed IA in the year 1909 Himanta Biswa Sarma has joined a list Professor of Pandu College Navajyoti and development in Assam. The quality from Cotton College of eminent alumni of Cotton College, Borah who reflected upon the memories of of education also boosts an intellectual Guwahati to have become the Chief Cotton College. breadth in the students,” said Rahul ›› Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury, the Minister of Assam. “We used to travel in a two-wheeler Bordoloi, incumbent GS of Cotton College CM from November 11, 1970 to Sarma joined Cotton College in 1985 across Guwahati with the sole agenda to since 2019. January 30, 1972, was also educated to pursue Higher Secondary (Arts). Then develop Cotton College,” said Borah. at Cotton College he did Three-Year Degree Course (TDC) The former Cottonian revealed that Here is the list of Cotton with Political Science as Major in 1987 and the state of infrastructure in then Cotton College alumni who later ›› was the CM in 1991, he took Admission for Masters College hostels was in a dilapidated went on to become the CM of from January 31, 1972 to March 12, Degree in Political Science in Cotton condition. Cottonians, especially the 1978) received his bachelor’s degree College under Gauhati University. leaders, wanted to bring in TV, telephone, Assam from Cotton College. At the same time, he was Assistant and other facilities. This was led by Sarma ›› Sir Muhammad Saadullah, Premier General Secretary (AGS) in 1987-88. From under the CCSU. (equivalent to then CM) was ›› , two times CM of 1988-92, he became record three-time The current day CCSU has stated educated in Cotton College and later Assam was also from Cotton college consecutive General Secretary (GS) of that Sarma’s victory is reflective of the became a lecturer at the college. Cotton College Student’s Union (CCSU). leadership qualities the college breeds in ›› Dr Bhumidhar Barman was from G Plus spoke to the then Debate the minds of Cottonians. “Cotton politics ›› Gopinath Bordoloi, Premier and first Cotton College as well. Secretary of the CCSU and Associate is like the net practice for leadership | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 City 7 Despite official orders Guwahati clinics & hospitals run unregulated rates of COVID tests

Trishna Das centre. There I had to pay Rs. 600 asked me to pay @trishnadas56 for an RT-PCR test,” said 27-year- around 500, which old Debajit Baruah, a resident of I have realized was Zoo Road. Baruah said the health double the amount I s the COVID-19 cases care centre charged him with was supposed to pay.” mount in Guwahati, Rs 500 for conducting the RT- Meanwhile, those people are rushing to PCR test. They also asked him to violating the order government and private pay an extra amount of Rs. 100, are to face action as health facilities for citing some other reason, while per the provisions COVID-19A testing. Every day, the government rate for RT-PCR of the law. The thousands of people are being tests is only Rs. 500 at private health department tested for COVID. However, clinics. officials and district the rates of COVID tests at G Plus tried to get in touch administration some leading for-profit private with representatives of have been ordered hospitals in Guwahati and other Ultracare Diagnostic Centre over by the government clinics have become a matter of the phone. However, there was to closely monitor concern for the people at such no response from them. COVID tests at private vulnerable times. It seems that after the health facilities and Residents in Guwahati have government released the strict enforce rates strictly. complained that the rates of rate list for private hospitals But, it has been COVID tests in private hospitals and clinics, some have stopped found that many such and clinics are too high. The price providing the COVID tests private clinics are for a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) at services. G Plus spoke to a still running COVID most places was found to be Rs. representative of Hayat Hospital tests at unregulated 500 while the rate of RT-PCR was who said, “We don’t conduct rates. well above Rs. 1000. G Plus later tests for COVID anymore. File photo of a lady getting tested for COVID-19 verified the claim and found that Earlier, we used to conduct the private health care facilities tests for outsiders. But now, we have indeed marked higher rates conduct tests only for those who for these simple COVID tests. get admitted in our hospital.” Meanwhile, at government Earlier, the Health and Family hospitals, both the COVID Welfare Department had antigen test and RT-PCR tests announced that the government are being conducted for free. of Assam has decided to fix the However, due to huge demand, rates for COVID-19 tests. All the hospitals are sometimes unable private clinics and laboratories to provide testing services due to in the state were ordered to the unavailability of testing kits. follow the guidelines issued by Moreover, people choose to go to the (Indian Council of Medical private hospitals and clinics due Research) ICMR. However, to the heavy rush at government many private health clinics hospitals like Mahendra Mohan and hospitals seem to have Choudhury Hospital (MMCH), violated the order of the Assam Gauhati Medical College and government. Hospital (GMCH). A person from Jayanagar, who “At first, I went to a government was unaware of the rate set by hospital for an Antigen test. But the government for the COVID due to the unavailability of test antigen test said, “I went for the kits, I had to go to a private health rapid antigen test, and the clinic Rates set by Government ››RT-PCR test samples, which are collected at labs or hospitals, including all charges test cost, PPE charges has been set at Rs. 500. ››RT-PCR test samples, which are collected from home, including all charges such as test cost VTM, PPE, etc have been set at Rs. 700 o g N . 1 2 0 / ››Private health facilities have been directed to y charge only Rs. 250, for a Rapid Antigen Test a n s (RAT). J 8 Concern | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Guwahati COVID Support A repository of all COVID-19 related data Indrakshi Dutta much more. Your participation recommend you opt for home decisions about your care. Being Wearing masks and staying 6 feet @IndrakshiDutta1 will make sure that Guwahati testing and collection to prevent tested for COVID-19 may help apart from others help reduce residents get through the second further spread of infection. Stay limit the spread of COVID-19 your chance of being exposed wave as safely as possible. home and safe, choose home to your family and others in to the virus or spreading it to he second wave of the These are the resources testing. your community. On Guwahati others, but these measures are COVID-19 pandemic that you can access from the COVID Support, we have listed not enough. Vaccines will work has gripped India. As Guwahati COVID Support: Doctors for Home Con- the places in Guwahati where with your immune system so it per the data from the Request for Beds sultancy you can get tested. will be ready to fight the virus health ministry, India Oxygen Cylinders if you are exposed. Vaccination Tcontinues to see a new high in To know of any availability We have collated a list of for COVID-19 is voluntary in COVID positive cases with over of a hospital bed in Guwahati, Doctors in Guwahati who are A small proportion of India. However, it is advisable to three lakh reported daily. Our please fill in a form with details currently offering services of COVID-19 patients need oxygen receive the complete schedule government machineries are such as the patient and attendee’s home consultancy. In this case, support when shortness of of the COVID-19 vaccine for trying their hardest to support name, contact details, and the the doctor visits the patient breath progresses to a more acute protecting oneself against us through these difficult times. urgency of their requirement. at home to review the health condition. Most patients have a this disease and also to limit Our responsibilities as good It is to acknowledge that the status, recommend diagnostics, respiratory tract infection, and the spread of this disease to citizens remind us that it is our hospitals taking COVID Patients formulate a treatment plan and in the most severe cases, their close contacts including family duty to strictly maintain COVID have received your request and refer them to a specialist, if symptoms can include shortness members, friends, relatives, protocol and abide by the rules may get in touch with you to required. Patients suffering from of breath. In a small proportion and co-workers. Refer to the of social distancing, but that is meet your requirement based chronic diseases like diabetes, of such cases, this can progress list of Government and Private not all we can do. on their availability. In case the heart disease, and hypertension, to a more severe and systemic vaccination centers in Guwahati The need of the hour is to patient is extremely critical, we elderly and bed-bound patients disease characterized by Acute on Guwahati COVID Support. stand together and help out recommend you contact the who find it difficult to travel to Respiratory Distress Syndrome Additionally, please note that all those who are in need of any aid. hospital directly. the hospital could opt for these (ARDS). Our list of oxygen vaccination is currently being Across the country, residents services. cylinder suppliers in Guwahati facilitated using the CoWIN app. have joined hands, outpoured Pharmacy/Chemist could come in handy if you their support in the form of We understand that it Get a COVID Test require an oxygen supply. Burial and Cremation WhatsApp groups, crowdsourced becomes extremely difficult We recommend getting a The Health Ministry has lists, calls for oxygen answered to step out with the risk of COVID test if your healthcare Request for Plasma issued a list of guidelines by total strangers, and prayers increasing infection everyday, provider believes you have Treating patients suffering and protocols that need to sent to anyone listening. hence we have tried to compile a signs or symptoms suggestive from coronavirus infection with be followed while handling Taking inspiration from these list of Pharmacies and Chemists of COVID-19 (e.g. fever, cough, transfusion of blood plasma COVID-19 victims’ bodies. Basic enormous acts of everyday in Guwahati who provide lab difficulty, breathing, etc.), from those who have already hygiene and COVID protocols courage, kindness, and sincerity, services, home testing, and many you live in or have recently recovered from the disease are mandatory while handling G Plus along with some good other facilities. The contact traveled to an area where the have been found to be safe and the dead body. For further Samaritans of the city have details have been verified to the transmission of COVID-19 is beneficial, multiple studies have information on the burial and come up with Guwahati best of our knowledge, however, high or have been in close suggested. Hence, there has cremation of COVID-19 patients, COVID Support (https://covid. we recommend using your contact with an individual been a growing requirement which places in Guwahati are guwahatiplus.com/) - a complete discretion. suspected or confirmed to for plasma to treat patients offering these services, please repository of COVID-19 support, have COVID-19. The results in severe conditions. In such visit Guwahati COVID Support. whose objective is to help people Diagnostic Centres of your COVID-19 test, along critical times, if you have just gain access to vital resources We have collated a list of with other information, can recovered from COVID-19 and Latest COVID News by sharing information. The resources for diagnostic centres help your healthcare provider want to donate your plasma On Guwahati COVID Support, information provided has been in Guwahati offering home make informed or are someone looking for a we bring to you COVID-19 verified to the best of our collection of COVID tests. If plasma donor please refer to the research, reviews, commentary, abilities, however, we would you suspect that you might be ‘Request for Plasma’ section on news, and analysis from across request our kind readers to use COVID positive or if members Guwahati COVID Support. the world. The information we their discretion and verify the of your family are share is fact-checked to the best leads on their own before taking COVID-19 positive, we Get Vaccinated of our abilities. any action. The Guwahati COVID Support will provide you with information related to COVID-19 in Guwahati. You can volunteer for Relief Work, Plasma donation, and | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Concern 9

The second wave of COVID-19 has hit us harder than ever. It has created chaos, and in this hour of need, we have to be more than organized. We need to be prepared. We are proud to launch, GUWAHATI COVID SUPPORT

A website and a resource portal for Guwahati, by Guwahati. Our One-Click Navigation will help you with hospital beds, medicines, diagnostic centres, oxygen availability, vaccination, plasma donations and requests, counselling or any related queries. Every information listed is verified by us as much as possible

Visit https://covid.guwahatiplus.com/ for more

Issued in Public Interest by 10 G Talk | May 15 - May 21 , 2021

EDITORIAL Opinion Government must rethink vaccine strategy An animal corridor at peril, Prakreetish Sarma

f all the options that Be it about the oxygen shortages alleged muscle power behind are available the best or the vaccine policies of the center possible way to contain the courts were responding based the COVID-19 virus on how the situation has been wildlife corridor is a full swing or staggered form but is to ensure that a unfolding on the ground. The truth narrow strip of land no one has been able to put a stay Olarge section of the population about vaccination is that people with native vegetation at it in totality. gets vaccinated. This is what still are not getting their vaccines. that connects two or Even last year during this time scientists and medical experts Here in Assam, most of the 18-40 larger areas of forest this issue was creating a lot of have been saying since day one. years age group people are yet habitatsA or fragments and for buzz around, Mr. Amarnatha The government too is aware of to successfully get a vaccination the maintenance of ecological Shetty, the then Honourable the need to vaccinate people all slot. Others in the above 45 age processes. The movement of Secretary of the panel had asked across the country and has been category are also not sure if they animals is a natural process. the Chief Wildlife Warden M.K trying to address the growing can get their first and second A permeable landscape is Yadava to furnish a report related need for vaccines. However, doses on time. There is an acute mandatory to ensure the same, to the illegal construction of the realization is one thing and to act shortage of vaccination which the the ability of certain species to permanent structure which is not and act fast is another thing. The government needs to acknowledge mate, maintain biodiversity, and only a threat to the movement the fact that such corridors have courts have been asking questions and find a solution and not find most importantly not to disturb of animals in the corridor been globally recognized which and constantly prodding the excuses or try to spend time doing the ecological cycle. but a poses a potential risk of can be inferred from initiatives government to answer for the image branding to show that it has The Kanchanjuri corridor overall ecological imbalance. such as ‘Tiger Forever Projects’ shortcomings. Most of the been dealing with the pandemic located in Kaziranga National The activities came to a halt for connecting Himalayan nations responses from the government to counter narratives in the media Park(KNP) is of utmost vitality some time but after a lapse, the such as Bhutan, Nepal, etc or has been defensive to say the least. or how the courts have been because it along with the initiative taken by The center has in an affidavit to responding to the chaotic situation other similar corridors is Russia and China in the Supreme Court urged against all over the country. What the used as a form of a bridge the form of bi-national any judicial interference on its government needs to do is assess by animals to move to China-Russia genetic vaccine policy. Its affidavit said, the ground situation regularly and safer or higher places to tiger corridor catering “Any overzealous, though well- do everything possible to ramp avoid the fury of nature. to the Siberian Tigers meaning judicial intervention up vaccine production and also As per the Supreme Court population. India is may lead to unforeseen and import vaccines from outside. It Judgment dated WP-C also not far behind unintended consequences, in must also utilise its own vaccine No. 202/1995 passed in with initiatives such as absence of any expert advice manufacturing institutes which 2019, it was laid down the critical Ecosystem or administrative experience, it has not done so far and which that no new construction Partnership Fund(CEPF) leaving the doctors, scientists, led to the Madurai Bench of the was allowed on private which identified five experts and executive very little Madras High Court saying that lands which formed a large corridors. room to find innovative solutions such facilities must be revived and part of the nine identified A report made by the on the go.” put into effective use as this will corridors of KNP. World Wildlife Fund The affidavit also said “It is help the government to inoculate However, around this (WWF) has indicated submitted that in view of the all people instead of spending time time last year, a serious that the existing legal unprecedented and peculiar in bargaining with private players allegation of illegal provisions such as circumstances under which at this challenging time. construction of a huge building on activities continued. Moreover, the Environment Protection vaccination drive is devised as an the Kanchajuri Animal Corridor of the corridor is affected by illegal Act 1986, Wildlife Protection executive policy, the wisdom of Kaziranga National Park hogged immigrants encroaching as seen Act, and the Biodiversity Act, the executive should be trusted.” @guwahatiplus the limelight which was in stark in Amguri Debera Chang Gaon, etc are all effective but mostly contravention of the orders of the and nefarious activities being remain dormant when it comes aforementioned court orders. carried out by clearing jungles to dealing with such issues, Right to Information (RTI) and and fences. under the Scheduled Tribes “Caged”, once again environmental activist Rohit Why is it important to protect (ST) and Other Traditional Choudhury had championed such Corridors? Animals get Forest Dwellers Act and Forest t is the feeling of a caged animal that’s being felt once again by the cause, and done whatever is disturbed during the onslaught of Rights Act the recognized forest those residing in containment zones across Guwahati. necessary to bring the issue to their movement cycle which can communities are empowered Several streets have been made containment zones owing to the the fore and had sent notice of the further lead to such unavoidable to protect, regenerate and also spiking COVID-19 cases, cordoned off with barricades and police authorities such as the Central situations the painful experience powers are vested with the Gram personnel on duty. Empowered Committee(CEC). On as observed in Numaligarh Sabha to manage the forests and IThe residents of these zones are allowed access to only essential May 7 2021 he had filed an FIR Refinery, where four elephants especially the community forest services within their area and movement is severely restricted. before Jakhalabandha P.S and had died while trying to cross resources(CFR) can be used by the Of course, we know it’s for our own good that these tin sheets are has provided the authorities with an illegal wall construction local communities to protect the placed otherwise people would come out without any reason, but evidence in photographic form as in the no-development zone corridors. sometimes we feel like caged animals. well of illegal activities going on which is located at proximity The foreseeable lurking Inside the house, it’s the season of “work from home” teamed with in Kanchanjuri such as clearing to the Kaziranga National Park. threat is that with the onset of “work for home” with house helps not being allowed to enter the of forest land, apparently digging Ultimately, the court had not monsoon, the entire belt is likely containment zones. up tea plantation for a water only ordered banning illegal to submerge and the visuals of Outside, the streets wear a deserted look. Locked shops and closed reservoir. Even the director of construction activities but had animals such as Rhinos who mosques/ temples show how work and worship have been affected by the adjoining Tiger Reserve Mr. also made laid down mandates drown as a result is not new, the the pandemic. P. Sivakumar had said that he keeping in mind the ecological incessant rains pave the way for Many residents are well-off, but a huge chunk comprises daily had filed representations before viability of the area and similarly natural disasters such as floods, wagers and families pursuing small businesses. They are once again the Golaghat district Authorities setting a proximate distance for erosion, etc which is a common left with no source of income. of illegal construction activities the Numaligarh Refinery, defining scenario in Assam. To add to At a time when businesses had just started to limp back to action and in sister corridors such as the ambit of the no-development the list of other miseries, other the overall situation had started to get back to normal, containment Haldibari and Panbari Corridor zone, any giving paramount related adverse effects include, zones are most certainly a step back at getting the economy back on for construction of a religious importance to elephant imbalance in the food chain which its foot. building. movements and their migration could further lead to vegetation Even outside containment zones, a 2 PM – 5 AM curfew is in place, The continuing of such activities activities understanding about loss, loss of large predators could along with the odd-even rule for vehicles, closure of offices and other violates the court’s order which the preservation of gene pool. It lead to exaggerating smaller restrictions. means it amounts to contempt was witnessed in Tadoba Tiger animals such as mice, raccoons Amid all these steps by the administration, managing a large of court. As reported in regional reserve that mining projects led which could further lead to population with blatant containment zone violations remains a dailies, the aforementioned tea to cutting off a critical corridor serious problems such as crop challenge due to the COVID-19 vaccination drive ongoing and people garden in Kanchanjuri Corridor in the area. The (Mysore-Nilgiri damage as these smaller animals getting slots at far-off vaccination centres, and inter-state / intra-state seems to be owned by a powerful Corridor) covers almost three who are not eaten up by larger movement being allowed. politician and that smacks states and even historically animals due to disturbance in the There continues to be a sense of resistance from the people towards of influence of muscle power Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple movement cycle can lead to such the guidelines set by the government. because of which even after an Tiger Reserve linked with the unavoidable situations. Meanwhile, with active cases rising to as high as 42,000 and the SC order, the intervention of forest has suffered huge losses (The author is currently death toll inching towards the 2,000-mark, it is now but a choice local administration on these due to the expansion of farming practicing as an Advocate in between safety and suffocation. The former activities, media attention, and human settlements. Gauhati High Court. The views being of utmost importance. Nehal Jain etc. these illegal construction The corridors are of utmost expressed in the article are his @NehalJain96 activities are going on in either vitality as can be gauged from own.) | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Op Ed 11 In humble response to ‘hypocrisy’, penning a reply to Mahua Moitra Kangkana Goswami

he honorable Member The coercive ways used by of Parliament (MP) of her musclemen to dismiss the All India Trinamool political opposition, the TMC Congress (TMC), Smt. guerillas guarding the ground Mahua Moitra who sniffing the slightest of dissent, Tpenned down her take on the and the monetary bonhomie to Bengal elections in her write-up unemployed youths in villages, titled “I Know What It Takes To funding their clubs along with Defeat Narendra Modi” in the assisting them with police New York Times Opinion page protection, speaks volumes of dated May 5, 2021, probably, the didi’s dadagiri. is being rewarded with claps On the point of an allegation and pats by the party supremo of the prime minister catcalling for hurling a harpoon on the Mamata Banerjee as ‘Didi-o- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Didi’ as pointed out by the slamming them with a series honorable MP, what makes of charges in the run for the her so rest assured of the fact Bengal berth. But little did that the chief minister has she realize that the harpoon not transgressed every limit happened to be a double-edged of political disgrace when she one, with the hands of the TMC publicly uttered in a rally in equally stained with blemishes 2019, that she wants to slap of election bloopers. the PM when he visits West To begin with, the honorable Bengal. With what conscience, MP charges the Prime Minister ethical audacity, and political (PM) of being an authoritarian poise will Mohua Moitra Ji juggernaut. Just a bird’s eye of defend and justify such a what Bengal has in store for distasteful demonstration of political feud and vendetta victory, but also a spectacle of chief minister took for granted storytellers. From booking a such obnoxious and scornful against BJP workers in Bengal. vengeance, making statements but dramatically lost to the BJP. 25-year-old young star over a invectives against a public The gruesome stories of post- of what happens in Bengal if the How Bengal has a chief minister ‘meme’ to banning political representative of the highest poll violence in Bengal can didi is dissented to. who lost in her constituency. Has satires in theatres across order, the Prime Minister of be gauged from the fact that Last but not the least, the to be a humbling experience for Bengal, the chief minister’s a nation, only because he is a the TMC is leaving no stones TMC should, while boasting the chief minister. All said and (CM) aggressive and disgraceful political bete noire? unturned to infuse horror in the about their victory in the recent done, “heights of hypocrisy” retaliations reeks of political All said and done, let’s talk minds of anyone and everyone. election also introspect about Moitra Ji! Don’t throw stones at intolerance and vendetta in about the violence and political The post-poll, muscle-flexing on how could a guest party in your neighbors if your windows West Bengal. From blocking hooliganism in Bengal, of a party the part of TMC saw everything Bengal with only 3 seats in the are glass. central schemes in the state to who speaks off, so vehemently, from killing, molesting women, past elections make impressive (The author is an Advocate at blocking BJP campaign choppers about the prime minister being gang rapes, to torching inroads into the bastions of the the Gauhati High Court, she was from landing in Bengal, Mamata an authoritarian. From charges properties of BJP supporters. TMC will a humongous surge of also the former Senior Assistant ji exuded political narrowness of extortion against political The use of noose and knuckle 77 seats to their credit this time. Editor, NorthEast Live. She is to the extent of compromising goons patronized by the TMC to by the TMC, battering and Inflicting more wounds to the reachable at kgoswami1987@ even with common welfare and pre-poll incitement of violence, butchering life and limb is not political arrogance of the TMC gmail.com. All opinions expressed also electoral democracy. to now, the ruthless show of just sadistic merriment of their is the Nandigram seat which the are her own.)

Myriad threads of existence Meenakshi Gautam

oetry is the revelation struggles, tears, and smiles ‘Anami Mur Sai Bondhu Jon’ is rhyming words and she uses of a feeling that in her diary; believing it to another poem that deals with her words with care. the poet believes be too private to be shared, the toll that this mechanized Perhaps it is this love to be ‘interior and except with those close to society has taken on society for rhythm and desire to personal’ which the her heart. ‘Kabitar Pachali’ by and human relations. Again break the monotony of daily Preader recognizes as his Manjula Goswami is a very in ‘Maya’ the poet, Manjula existence; that makes her own. As I picked up this slim volume of poems; yet Goswami turns inward put forward her creativity volume of poetry these are they echo as true emotions, becoming philosophical where in the public eye despite the exact emotions that echoed for the one who pens it, as for she tries to find her ‘true pandemic. This volume makes in my mind and heart. The those who read it. place’ on this world stage. The one recollect Thomas Hardy’s ‘poet in question’ if I may be You feel these are your last poem in this volume deals favorite words ‘Poetry is permitted to use this word emotions too. ‘Matri R with the deadly Coronavirus. emotion put into measure’. is one who perhaps never Anurudh’ the poet claims is It is a tribute to all our brave The author is an Advocate made a conscious decision very close to her heart; it Corona warriors who are and with over 20 years of to be a poet. Infact, Manjula reveals the inner workings making it their call to put teaching experience. She is an Goswami is one who perhaps of a mother’s heart as she duty before themselves. This ardent writer and social worker jotted down her thoughts, offers her daughter’s hand poet or rather ‘budding’ poet, as well. The views expressed in sentiments, triumphs, in marriage. Another poem seems to have a penchant for the article are her own. 12 Lifestyle | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Vaastu factors affecting

Hemanta Kumar Sarmah relationships Engineer, Businessman, Advanced Pranic Healer and Su Jok Acupressure specialist.

It is very difficult to maintain relationships for a long time without disharmony or conflict. The material life led by us takes its toll in the long run, sometimes much quicker than expected. We have too much expectation from our near and dear ones and when they do not deliver as we would have liked them to, our relations suffer as a result. Fresh relations like love or marriage take a back seat after a few years. Relations between parents and children are strained. We become complacent in our surroundings. By making changes in the house or by moving household stuff, we can bring in new energy to ignite stale relationships. Vastu arrangement can help in enhancing harmo- ny in the family as well as curing the disturbed relationship.

The factors affecting statues in the room. ›› The ›› The edges of columns, southwest is beams, and furniture in ›› There is a water body at relationships are responsible for the bedroom poison send the southeast or northwest. described below: relationships. arrows. These poison ›› If the house is located on Strengthen arrows bring harmful ›› If the location of bedrooms a T-junction or very near a the southwest energies which affects one is wrong. Southwest, west, U-turn. section of affecting relationship as and south are the best ›› If the house is located your home. well. These edges should directions. very near a public place The southwest be rounded or covered. section governs like a bus stand or railway ›› Those who are single and ›› If the southwest corner is romance station. wish to have a partner cut or if there is a defect at and marital can hang a painting of southwest. happiness. The Some Feng Shui Tips On peonies, the Chinese element of the ›› If the northeast corner is and enhance relationships: flower of love in the Love southwest is Earth. This cut or if there is a defect at ›› If you are single or house or bedroom. the northeast corner The basis of all our relations looking to improve your should be activated with ›› The Yin(female) and rests on love. People long for love relationship, sleep with a pleasant decoration of ›› If the sleeping direction is all their life; some get it but some Yang(male) energy of your head in your best small rocks or anything wrong. Sleep with the head lose it. There are innumerable the house should be favorable direction. made from terracotta to the south. love stories written or filmed and or clay. A picture of a balanced. Males should monuments are constructed like ›› Do not sleep facing the display feminine stuff like ›› If the color of the bedroom The Tajmahal. There are instances mountain without any door as the shar chi (killing is not correct. This has of kingdoms being invaded or water can be hanged. photographs etc.; females been discussed earlier. destroyed just for love. breath) will be very strong Crystals are also very useful vice versa i.e. masculine Here are some Feng Shui tips and will cause problems in and so are mandarin ducks. items or photos. › › There are wrong pictures or which can activate romance luck your relationship. Managing anger to nurture relationships ust like any other emotion, abusive behavior. Domestic thoughts with sensible thoughts. anger is also a type of violence is a major problem This will provide you the time to human emotion. If not in Indian households. In a relax and think twice before you controlled, anger may report by National Family spit venom. destroy relationships over Health Survey (NFHS-5), iii) Walk-away Jtime. It is essential, therefore, to 32% of women surveyed in Before you are about to explode manage anger issues for people Assam have faced some kind with anger, take a step back. who are highly volatile in testing of violence in their homes. Keep moving away from a zone Abhijnan Pritam Sarma situations. Anger may have an Alcoholism is considered to be where your close people might get indirect cause such as stress, a major cause of anger issues affected. Walk for a few minutes family problems, or financial and it may lead to physical and take deep breaths. When a person is addicted to issues. It should be noted that abuse subsequently. Women due to frustration of over-working, iv) Channelize energy to alcohol, that person is unable to anger is not a disorder but just a across the globe have faced mismanagement of finances or different work use reason and is controlled by symptom of an underlying illness. bashing from their husbands and addiction to alcohol. Try to find Once you are alone with your alcohol. When alcohol controls As most of the people in our it affects the whole family. Anger, the cause, when you are calm and anger, this energy should be you, it may in turn affect your society are not aware of what is stress, abuse, and addictions are not vulnerable to anger. When you channelized to a different entity, relationships within family, happening internally, it becomes interrelated in one way or the can access yourself unbiased, you so that your mind is relaxed. One friends and office. Alcoholism is difficult to control sensitive other, so it becomes essential to are on the way to salvation. way to channelize that energy is an underlying cause of domestic situations which may turn control them. Here, I will suggest ii) Positive self-talk to do any workout that releases violence against women. violent. Random scenes when the a few methods of how anger can When you are on the edge of quick sweat like 20-30 push-ups. Therefore, any individual addicted husband becomes abusive to his be managed by the individual who bursting out, try to say these Sweating will release positive to alcohol must realize that it wife and family are very common has a problem controlling this lines within yourself, “Relax”, “I hormones, which can help to calm has bad effects on family and in our society. emotion. am okay, I have time, I don’t have the mind. Some people might relationships. For children who have had a i) Try to find what triggers you to speak now” , “I will speak only have a habit to break things, but (The author has completed his troubled childhood because of the When you are finally expressing when I am calm”. I know, this is they can be costly items. So, it master’s degree in Linguistics from abusive behavior of their father, your anger, most often the wrath very hard to tell yourself when you is better to channelize energy in Delhi University. He can be reached it leaves trauma. Also, for the is faced by your closed ones. are triggered, but once you start a productive way like running, at [email protected]. wife, she becomes helpless and Therefore, it is important to find speaking these affirmations to walking, push-ups etc. The views expressed in the article embarrassed by her husband’s out the actual cause. It may be yourself, you are replacing angry v) Avoid addiction to alcohol are his own.) | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 Feature 13 Where do the pedestrians walk?

eople have often heard about illegal activities like land encroachment, forest encroachment, hills encroachment, Petc that have always created predicaments for society at large. But in our busy day-to-day lives, it is the encroachment of the walking space of the people residing in a city that has over the years turned into a headache for most of the denizens. The problem of encroachment of walking space is an unsolved Bishaldeep Kakati issue in most of the urban areas of the major cities of India, and at times it feels even concerning the pedestrians. the government has become Rule 11 prohibits driving on the helpless in its desire to curb the footpath or the cycle lane and menace of the encroachment Rule 15 says no driver shall park of the walking spaces of the a motor vehicle near a traffic pedestrians. This issue also has light, on a pedestrian crossing, troubled most of the people of or a footpath. Therefore the the city of Guwahati. authorities and the police In our periphery of discussion department have to be strict in regarding the encroachment this regard and impose suitable of walking space for the fines and punishment against pedestrians, it is pertinent for us people breaking the rules. to understand the core reasons illegal parking on the footpaths accidents because of the lack of pavement to the advantage of Therefore to reduce the plight behind the creation of congested as well as manholes that have walking space. the general public and without of the pedestrians, at least three areas of walking for the people. encroached most of the walking The major issue that is eating any discomfort or annoyance to things must be done at the For the same, we have to analyze space of the pedestrians, and the up the spaces of walking on the others, there can be no objection. earliest. Firstly, the authorities different rules, regulations, magnitude of this problem has footpaths of Guwahati is the Hawkers cannot be permitted to must come out with a long- laws, by-laws, etc to understand: simply kept on escalating with establishment of illegal stalls squat on every road. Factors like term solution to create the whether is it the failure to each passing day. by hawkers and vendors. The the width of the road, security, balance between construction create a stringent ACT that is While discussing this very footpaths of Guwahati are often etc, have to be considered.” and operation of shops and creating this dilemma or the important issue, we have to occupied by licensed shops and Therefore with all the rules stalls and walking space for the ineffectiveness of the authorities bring into focus a concept known stalls that already absorb the and regulations in place, the pedestrians on the footpaths. to ensure proper enforcement of as ‘walkability’. Walkability majority of the space of the authorities are currently finding Secondly, the authorities must the laws, if there are any? is nothing but it is simply the footpath. And along with that it difficult to find out a long-term conduct strict surveillance and If one hovers around the city measure of how friendly an area the construction of illegal shops solution regarding creating the impose fines and punishment of Guwahati and tries to find is for walking. To throw light by vendors and hawkers simply right balance between allowing on those who either drive out the core reasons behind to the statistics, the Ministry means that people have to either licensed vendors to operate and vehicles on the footpaths or the lack of proper space for the of Urban Development, India wait for the other person to also finding adequate spaces park the same on the footpaths. pedestrians to walk, one can find (MoUD) once considered thirty pass or sometimes even walk for the denizens to walk on the Thirdly, the people should show many reasons that are creating cities of variable population, by colliding with one another. footpath. some civic sense, shouldn’t be this hindrance. The main roads which included Guwahati as well Many a time, we have also seen To worsen the situation selfish, and come out to help or highways have been always to know about the walkability concerned authorities carrying of limited walking space of the government by following used by the people for vehicular score. The study revealed that out eviction drives but after the the pedestrians, the reckless the basic rules and regulations. movement and with the increase Guwahati had a walkability passing of the Street Vendors activities done by a few selfish And in the longer run, if in population and number of score of 0.39, while the average (Protection of Livelihood and dwellers of Guwahati, have also appropriate walking spaces for motor vehicles, the government being 0.54, and the list was Regulation of Street Vending) Act, reduced the walking space for the pedestrians on footpaths has always been enthusiastic to topped by Chandigarh with a 2014, the government is finding the pedestrians to a large extent. can be ensured, then it would increase the width of the tracks score of 0.92. Further, if we take it difficult to accommodate all A few of the citizens are seen not only reduce fatal accidents to avoid traffic congestion. into account any part of the the registered vendors in the either parking their vehicles on but also allow all the sections Therefore for the dwellers of Guwahati city, there is hardly allocated alternative spaces. the footpaths or even driving of the society, be it the young or the city, the footpaths have been any location where one can walk Further in the famous Sodan their vehicles on them, thus the old to stroll properly on the preferably bestowed to them for a distance of 50-100 meters on Singh case- 1989 (4) SCC 155 on completely blocking the little footpaths without any difficulty. locomotion. But in recent times, the footpath without stepping Hawkers, the Supreme Court space left on the footpaths for (The author is a lawyer, it is the coming up of illegal on the roads. These statistics had observed that “…If the the pedestrians to work. But writer, and a socio-political shops and establishments, draw a deplorable scenario for circumstances are appropriate under the Road Regulation Act, commentator. The views small vendors and hawkers on the pedestrians of Guwahati and a small trader can do some 1989, certain obligations are expressed in the article are his the footpaths, irregular and as many had to even face fatal business for personal gain on the imposed on the driver of a vehicle own.) Weather report for the week

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ndian Council of Medical enrolled their Research (ICMR) data shows children for the the percentage of people next academic infected from COVID-19 year in the case between ages 0-10 years and of government I10-20 years to be 3.32% and 8.32% schools. respectively. Based on uniform Third, with averages, the number of children smartphones (aged 5-16) infected in the state being the Tarang Bansal comes to 21,644 (6.98% of 3,10,098 biggest asset as of 13th May 2021). Though the for education mortality rate has been low in in these schemes through its network of this age cohort, only the future months; the Aaganwadis and schools. Kerala can say if the strain has left any number of rural also became the first state to long-term impact on our bodies. households provide free high-speed internet More than the direct impact of owning them to economically backward the virus, in terms of morbidity has grown sections of society. With so much or mortality, this age cohort has from 36% to a content available on YouTube been more impacted in the areas whopping 61%! and other government platforms of education, nutrition, social However, this and the smartphone penetration security, and mental health. I tremendous at 61% in rural Assam (much want to focus on the former in rise has higher in urban), access to terms of Assam. not been high-speed internet could There are about 90 lakh proportionally have again improved access children in the state of Assam supported by to Education in Assam. The between ages 5 to 16. With the adequate Haryana government launched 86% of the state’s population provision of the Ghar se Padhao Abhiyan being rural, the impact on rural video-recorded lessons (only 13% material (either subsidized or the state government announced (Study from Home Initiative) education demands the most schools) or online classes (mere free) and questions for practice free admission for the current to connect the 50000 teachers attention. The Annual Status of 6% schools) by both government to their students. It tried re- academic year to all students from 8686 primary, 2423 middle, Education Report (ASER) 2020 and private schools. Also, opening schools in a staggered from HS to the PG level with and 1154 high govt schools rural report (based on data about84% of the households in manner with school sanitization no prospectus or form charges. with 52 lakh students through from Sep 2020) for Assam shows the country having a smartphone and limited student capacity in For hostel residents, a transfer hundreds of WhatsApp groups. that the percentage of students have only a single smartphone check. The Biswa Vidha Assam of ₹1000 per student for mess Teachers would be responsible enrolled in schools has gone for all its members. The 2011 Channel (A Government of charges and ₹1000 for buying for the children in their groups up from 95.8% in 2018 to 97.8% census shows an average Assam initiative) on YouTube textbooks will also be provided. for normal classes, notes from in 2020 whereas the country’s household size of ‘4.87’ in Assam. provides extensive learning In addition to this, all colleges classes, subject and topic wise average has fallen by 0.8%. Assam Even with a single device, resources for school students have been directed to increase completion of course for each deploys a lot of migrant workers the accessibility among the free of cost across grades and their intake capacity by 25% student. WhatsApp groups were to other states. One possible children in such household sizes subjects. A mobile app with for this year and reserve these formed by lots of schools in explanation of this aberration is questionable(even without the same name is also being seats for students who pass Assam also but such initiatives could be the returning migrants accounting for the access to developed. The Diksha App (A the HS exam this year. The were school-driven and only settling with their families back electricity and internet). Fourth, Government of India Initiative) government also announced an encouraged by the government, in their villages and enrolling with a large percentage of parents has been downloaded by 3.5 amount ranging from ₹2 to 5 unlike Haryana where the their children in school. It also and community members not lakh students and 1.18 lakh thousand (based on geography) government became the prime highlights the presence of strong skilled enough to tutor their courses completed. Under the for students studying outside facilitator of this service. rural educational infrastructure. children, especially in the later Gyan Brikshya program, classes the state who wanted to return The teachers, parents, the Second, the entire country’s classes, coupled with the chores on mathematics, science, and home due to the pandemic. government, and all other rural educational scenario saw and stress of battling with the english were being broadcasted The state government has also stakeholders seemed to have a 3% shift in enrolments from direct effects of the pandemic; from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM by two created a career guidance portal wanted the best for our students. private schools to government the quality of learning a child TV channel broadcasters in the for students in classes 9 to 12 for Having said this, the impact schools across all grades. The gets from any educational effort state- ACC and GTPL and also helping them explore colleges, of COVID-19 on education can prime factor responsible for comes to question. Already, the on Jio TV. Biswa Vidya, an AIR exams, vocational courses, and be ascertained by tracking the this should be the inability of middle-school children in Assam learning program in Guwahati scholarships, etc. A team of 40 learning parameters (reading- some parents to pay for private are at least 10% points behind and Dibrugarh for elementary people was constituted for the arithmetic stats) and the dropout education and the closure of the national average when it classes in English, Assamese, implementation of the New rate for the 2021 academic year. private schools in the pandemic. comes to both the ability of and Social Sciences was being Education Policy 2020 in the The above analysis doesn’t However, even this data is reading and doing basic division. broadcasted. For 9th and 10th state. include the impact on education opposite in the case of Assam. This fact becomes even more graders, Doordarshan was On asking ourselves what due to inaccessibility to Private schools’ share in the pie grave when we see government telecasting Science and Math more could have been done, nutrition, loss of social security has grown by 3-4%, taking share school students, who are 2x in classes several times over the let’s look at some examples from the demise of caretakers from the government schools. headcount, performing 2x worse week. In terms of examinations, from other states. The Kerala or their loss of livelihoods, This counter-logic can be than private school students the state’s education boards government has an educational physical and mental toll on explained with two possibilities- on these metrics. These trends were asked to either reduce channel called Kite Victers, children due to the disease, and one, the Assam Government show that we have done great in their syllabus or give maximum which exclusively telecasts the shock that a complete shift asked private schools to waive off terms of getting students into options in the question papers. educational content for classes from classroom-based teacher- at least 25% of their fees as their the schooling system, which The academic year in the state 1-12. With 45% TV household led teaching to online pedagogy costs of electricity, maintenance, is a victory on its merit but has has also been changed to April- penetration in rural Assam and brings. The impact on children day-boarding, etc had reduced lagged in helping them get the March, like the ROI, from the Jan- a higher percentage in urban with disabilities is also one to and two, there could be a weak learnings out of it. Several NGOs Dec anomaly. To promote higher areas, such a channel could follow as we needed special personal connection between the were seen raising money to education among girls, 22000 HS have greatly increased access to books and screens, software, government school authorities create online infrastructure but girls who scored the first division education in Assam. Moreover and scribes to provide equality and the households (compared the impact of all NGOs combined were announced to be awarded TV, unlike smartphones, comes of opportunity to this cohort. to the private schools). This is can come nowhere close to a two-wheeler. Students who with the advantage of shared The practice of going to school, bolstered by ASER 2020 Assam the capacity and reach of the cleared the Class 10 examination learning. The Kerala government in itself, protects a child from data that shows that 44% of government. were announced to be awarded created neighborhood study being pushed in marriage, labor, government schools engaged On assessing the state a computer or a sum of ₹20000. centers to allow for this or crime but that is another in ‘no’ activity of any kind with government’s intervention The results for Class 10th and provision. These centers were story to follow. students from the lockdown till in this sphere, we see several 12th were digitized and the also used to sell television to (The author is an alumnus of September 2020 compared to steps taken over the months. online process to get admissions households at subsidized rates. Don Bosco School, Pan Bazar. He private schools’ figure standing In terms of learning avenues, using these digital mark sheets Assam could have also rolled is currently working for an FMCG at 29%. With no engagement of the government urged school was initiated for enrolment in out subsidized/zero-EMI-based company and is enthusiastic any kind, parents may not have teachers to provide study the next academic year. In June, smartphones and TV purchase about the education field.) | May 15 - May 21 , 2021 News This Week 15

A quick round up of the news that mattered during the past week List of states that have imposed restrictions, curfew, Why are we hiding actual 6 and lockdowns COVID-19 deaths, IMA asks The Union government left it to the States/Union 1 Centre Territories to impose restrictions in order to curb the rising COVID-19 cases amid the second wave. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that states should Centre of not carrying out transparency in reporting and consider lockdowns as a ‘last resort’ to plateau the making a registry of COVID-19 deaths in the country. rising cases. Here’s a list of states with total lockdown: “Hundreds of deaths happening in big hospitals are shown Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar , Rajasthan, Punjab, Nagaland, as non-COVID deaths and crematoriums are showing house Haryana, Puducherry, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka full boards. RT-PCR negative, but CT positive cases aren’t and Kerala. Other states like Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, counted. Why are we trying to hide actual deaths?” the IMA Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar said in a letter. IMA on Saturday, May 8, said that the Union Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir have imposed either a Health Ministry was showing “extreme lethargy” and taking partial lockdown and/or night curfews. “inappropriate actions” in dealing with the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. 21 dead in Rajasthan village after Indian woman killed amidst 2 150 attend burial 7 Palestine-Israeli conflict 21 people died in the Sikar district of Rajasthan allegedly after An Indian woman, Soumya Santosh from Kerala a COVID-19 infected corpse was buried without following has been killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in standard protocols. “A COVID-19 infected body was brought Israel on Tuesday, May 11. Soumya Santosh, who hailed to Kheerva village on April 21 and about 150 people attended from Keerithodu of Idukki and worked as a caregiver in the last rites and the burial was done without following Israel, was killed in rocket launches on Israel by Palestine Coronavirus protocol,” said an official. The body was taken out amid the ongoing conflicts between the two countries. of the plastic bag and several people touched it during burial, Santosh, 31-year-old is survived by her husband and a the official added. However, officials said only four deaths nine-year-old son. Israel’s ambassador to India Ron Malka have occurred due to the COVID-19 virus between April 15 and took to Twitter to condole the Indian woman’s demise. May 5.

After Twitter, Instagram takes Nearly 100 bodies found 3 down Kangana Ranaut’s post 8 floating in river Ganga Days after actress Kangana Ranaut’s Twitter handle was At least 96 unidentified bodies – many of them permanently suspended by the social media giant, Instagram decomposed and bloated – have been found floating in has now deleted one of Ranaut’s posts where she talked about River Ganga over the past couple of days. It has triggered the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On Saturday, May 8, Kangana fears among local residents in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh informed on Instagram that she tested positive for COVID-19. that bodies of Covid victims were being dumped in the The actress had developed symptoms in the past few days and river. The floating of dead bodies in the Ganga has evoked got herself tested because she wanted to travel to her hometown shock and anger. Authorities of both Bihar and UP are yet in Himachal Pradesh. to confirm if the unidentified decomposed and bloated bodies of 96 people were of COVID cases.

Not ‘Indian variant’, virus needs to be called by scientific name Group of auto drivers start 4 ‘jugaad ambulance’ in Pune The Government of India recently raised objections 9 over the B.1.617 strain of COVID-19 being called by some A group of auto drivers in Pune on Thursday, May - including media outlets - as the ‘Indian variant’ of 13 started ‘Jugaad Ambulance’ which is an initiative to coronavirus. Therefore, the World Health Organisation help facilitate COVID-19 patients in the city. The leader (WHO) on Wednesday, May 12, clarified that it does not of the initiative, Keshav Kshirsagar said that they have identify viruses or their variants with names of countries installed oxygen support in three of their autos to help where they are found. “WHO does not identify viruses or people who are facing difficulties in finding beds in -hos variants with names of countries they are first reported pitals. “People who are suffering from COVID-19 were from. We refer to them by their scientific names and finding it difficult to get a bed in the hospitals, so we have request all to do the same for consistency,” WHO (South- installed oxygen support in three autos to help them,” he east Asia) posted on Twitter. added.

11 COVID-19 patients die in Tirupati hospital after oxygen disruption COVID-19 positive woman 5 raped by male nurse, dies Eleven COVID-19 patients died due to a shortage in oxygen supply at a government hospital in Tirupati, Andhra 10 within hours Pradesh on Monday evening (May 10). The deaths have been reported at a time when the entire country is fighting the second A male nurse has allegedly raped a COVID-19 patient at wave of COVID-19 and shortage of medical oxygen has emerged a hospital in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal, police said on as a key challenge. There are about 135 ICU beds and 400-plus Thursday, May 13, 2021. The woman, who was undergoing oxygen beds at the hospital where some 1,100 COVID-19 patients treatment for COVID-19, disclosed the incident to a doctor have been admitted at present. Even as families of patients at the hospital. However, soon after, the 43-year-old alleged that the oxygen supply was disrupted for about 25-45 women’s condition worsened. She was out on a ventilator minutes, officials claimed that the supply was affected for just a and she died within 24 hours of the incident. few minutes during which time the tragedy took place. The delay in the arrival of the oxygen tanker from Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu had further triggered the crisis, the official said. 16 Catching Up | May 15 - May 21 , 2021

Barasha Das OFPIC THE WEEK Lakhtokia

id Mubarak! As Guwahati series “Aitihasic Patabhumit of Bengal under Emperor along with the rest of Asomir Aitijyamandita Aurangzeb. When Mir Jumla the country celebrates a Islamdharmi Sakal”, after years invaded the Ahom Kingdom subdued Eid-ul-Fitr, here’s of fighting, the Ahom kingdom in 1662 he brought along the a small piece of history of signed a treaty with the Mughals ancestor of noted engineer of Eone of the oldest and renowned to end the battle. In return the Lakhtokia, Mir Azgar Ali, who Muslim neighbourhood of the Ahom king had to pay Rs. 1 lakh contributed significantly to the city – Lakhtokia. as indemnity to the Mughals construction of the Guwahati- From the Panbazar railway annually. Shillong Road. The Mirs were overbridge to the Sikh Mandir Every year the Mughal officials brought as doctors of the Mughal Chariali of Fancy Bazaar, the area used to establish a temporary army. Many in the army fell in is known as Lakhtokia. During camp in the Lakhtokia area love with Assam and stayed the Ahom rule, this locality was where the formalities of back. Since the Mughals didn’t known as ‘Parsiporia Gaon.’ payment used to take place. bring along any women, those The residents of this area and History records that the locality who stayed back married the the senior citizens of Guwahati might have got its name from indigenous Assamese people. have different theories as to why that Rs. 1 lakh payment. Eventually they formed the this locality came to be known Lakhtokia area is home indigenous Muslim community as Lakhtokia. The most common to a section of the Muslim of the state. is that a very wealthy family community with the title ‘Mir.’ Some of the prominent used to reside in the area whom History records that the origin personalities of Lakhtokia are Prayers defying pandemic | Photo: Surajit Sharma the neighborhood used to refer of these people with ‘Mir’ title Syed Muhammad Saadulla, Col. to as ‘Lakhtokia Ghar.’ From this can be traced back to Iran. They Zalnur Ali Ahmed, Fakhruddin the locality eventually got its came to the Indian subcontinent Ali Ahmed – the fifth president name. as warriors with the Mughals. of India, Syed Mohammad However, as per the history They were brought to Assam Mohibullah, former principal of written by Akdas Ali Mir in his by Mir Jumla II, the governor Cotton College. Wake up in the morning everyday, open the CoWin website and just see the vaccine slots disappear in seconds. The need of the hour seems to be practicing fastest fingers first to get a jab! If COVID-19 and the anxiety of getting a vaccine slot wasn’t enough, we now have the black fungus to look out for.

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