TEZPUR, March 23 - The Sonitpur District Mech Kochari Unnayan Parishad has decided to extend its support to the Congress, after a commitment was given to the community by the latter to fulfil certain demands, including creation of an autonomous council if it retains power.
In a press release, the secretary of the SDMKUP, Saiteswar Mech stated that as per the decision of the Parishad, after a discussion between the Congress party and the central committee of the ethnic body, it was decided to give full support to the party, after it committed to fulfill certain demands of the community. In sync with the same decision, the Sonitpur District Committee of the Parishad has also decided to extend its support to Congress candidate Praneswar Basumatary contesting from the 75-Sootea LAC under Tezpur Election District.
Three withdraw: Three nomination papers were withdrawn on Monday, the last day of withdrawal of nomination papers here. An Independent candidate from 72-Barchala LAC and two Independent candidates from 73-Tezpur LAC have withdrawn their papers.
Poll boycott: The Sonitpur district committee of the MNREGA Employees� Union has decided to boycott the elections in protest against the Government�s indifferent attitude towards their long-pending grievances.
In a press note, the secretary of the Sonitpur District MNREGA Karmachari Unnayan Parishad, Gautam Koch alleged that for the last a couple of years, their remunerations have not been released, following which their families are facing untold miseries. �There are a total of 332 employees including Accredited Engineer, Account Assistant and Computer Assistant working in different development blocks and panchayats and as per the MNREGA norms, these employees should get their salary based on the expenditure of funds. At the beginning of our engagement, we were given a remuneration of Rs 3000/- which was later on increased to Rs. 4500/-. But it is a matter of fact that till date the authorities concerned have not given us any response, despite our dedicated service and repeated requests. Therefore, we will remain away from the entire election process including casting our vote for any party,� the secretary said.
Liquor seized: In a joint operation conducted by the Central Excise led by the Assistant Superintendent of the Central Excise, Barasha Baruah Bodoloi, 800 cases of illegal liquor made in Arunachal Pradesh, were seized from the residence of one Jadab Ojha of Jamuguri-Sorubhugia village on Monday morning. He was later arrested on charges of keeping the illegal goods at his residence.
