Advocates express concern over health service in SMCH
SILCHAR, April 22: The professional advocates of Silchar Court expressed concern at the present health service at Silchar Medical College and Hospital after the “sudden” demise of advocate Anup Choudhury who breathed his last at the SMCH recently. The advocates suspect that Anup Choudhury passed away due to not…..Complete details here
APICON’s conference underway
The scientific conference of APICON, Assam, is underway at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. In the three–day–long conference, which began on Friday, different sessions on the varied subjects of medicines and the series of workshops will be……Complete details here
ACKHSA demands immediate repair of University road
All Cachar Karimganj Hailakandi Students’ Association (ACKHSA) served an ultimatum to the district administration to start the repair work of the road from Silchar Medical College to Assam University within ten days. In a memorandum addressed to the Cachar Deputy Commissioner Gokul Mohan Hazarika, the ACKHSA members demanded immediate steps to start the repair work of the road. They said that the State government did not pay any heed to the improvement of this vital road, which connects two central higher institutes NIT and Assam University..…..Complete details here
102 National Ambulance Service launched
A special ambulance service between Lakhipur Hospital and Silchar Medical College and Hospital was launched on Wednesday to add more teeth to the overall health care system of the region in tackling emergencies.….Complete details here
Younger generation advised to take care of seniors
SILCHAR, October 4: Cachar Deputy Commissioner, Gokul Mohan Hazarika, urged the younger generation to come forward in extending a helping hand towards senior citizens while addressing an assembly of citizens as the chief–guest at a function organized on the occasion of the International Day of Senior Citizens’ at Jyoti Kala Kendra here. The initiative was taken by the Aging Society Cell of the NGO, The Greens, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department of Assam Government to honour the senior citizens of this region. A senior citizens’ directory was released on the occasion.
“We are probably not being grateful to them for their contributions” Hazarika said while emphasizing on the need to pay back a generation of citizens who were instrumental in shaping the youths of today. He spoke about the various measures adopted by the administration in order to provide basic and necessary services to them without any hassle. Organizations like banks, LIC, railways and treasury have been intimated to come up with separate counters for senior citizens.
The LIC and railways have recently acceded to this request. A proposal has been sent to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital for the establishment of a geriatric ward. Some nursing homes have agreed to offer 5 per cent discount on the treatment of senior citizens. The Deputy Commissioner said that he was in touch with the police department to look after the issue of security for them. He further revealed that Section 125 of the CrPC which offers legal rights to parents to seek maintenance from their wards has not been invoked in this region yet.
Earlier, Sankar Chakraborty, member of The Greens, in his inaugural address, spoke about the efforts undertaken by the NGO to uphold the rights of the senior citizens of this region for years. Retired IAS officer and senior citizen, Ajoy Das, lauded the administration for its concern for the senior citizens. He however rues that the media has not given proper coverage to the problems and the initiatives taken to resolve them. The Joint Director of the Health Services, BB Bhattacharjee, requested the senior generation to guide the youth of today with their knowledge and experience for a better society tomorrow.
Baranya Das, ADC, quoted the proverb ‘Charity begins at home’ to remind everyone of the need to take care of their aging parents. Mira Deb spoke about the plight of women in their old age in a gender biased society. It was also the occasion to felicitate octogenerians, DK Singha, retired Additional SP, Satyabrata Dey, former teacher, and others.
Source: The Sentinel
Attack on ASHA worker condemned
SILCHAR, August 31: Sodou Assam ASHA Sangstha under AICCTU condemned the recent attack on an ASHA worker and demanded stern action against the guilty.
Angarun Necha Barbhuiya, an ASHA worker, who is a resident of Boribhail village under Borkhola constituency, was attacked by Lutfur Rehman Barbhuiya on August 28, blaming her for the death of his wife Parbin Sultana Barbhuiya who was admitted to Silchar Medical College and Hospital on August 22.
According to the FIR lodged by Angarun Necha Barbhuiya with Borkhola police station, Parbin Sultana Barbhuiya, the wife of Lutfur Rehman Barbhuiya was taken to Silchar Medical College and Hospital after falling ill on August 22, by 108 at 9 in the morning. Angarun Necha Barbhuiya had also gone with the patient and after admitting her in SMCH she came back to her home. On the same day at around 8.40 in the evening Parbin Sultana Barbhuiya breathed her last. Angered by the death of his wife, Lutfur Rehman Barbhuiya went to the residence of Angarun Necha Barbhuiya and tried to molest her. She was also beaten by him.
After hearing her screams, the people of the area rushed to the residence and rescued her. They took her to the Borkhola Civil Hospital where she is undergoing treatment. The Sodou Assam ASHA Sangstha today submitted a memorandum addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, demanding immediate arrest of the guilty. The memorandum signed by Atorjan Begum Mazumder, Lutfur Khanon Barbhuiya, among others requested the DC to nab the guilty and punish him.
Source: The Sentinel 01.09.2013
Blood Bank of Silchar Medical College
On the eve of Independence Day, a blood donation camp was organized under the aegis of BWWA (BSF Wives’ Welfare Association) at 142 Bn BSF at Dholchera in coordination with the Blood Bank of Silchar Medical College. AC Thapliyal, Inspector General, Frontier HQ BSF Mizoram and Cachar inaugurated the blood donation camp along with senior officers.
Complete details Here
Preparations to celebrate Independence Day
SILCHAR, August 13: The district administration of Cachar is making all preparations to celebrate 67th Independence Day in a befitting manner. At 9 am, the National Flag would be hoisted officially at the District Sports Association ground. The chief–guest who would unfurl the National Flag would be given the traditional gun salute. It would be followed by felicitation to the students who topped the merit list in the high school and higher secondary school examinations of 2013 as well as to the distinguished personalities.
Another highlight of the Independence Day celebration would be cultural programme presented by different tribal and non tribal groups. The celebration would be heralded by patriotic songs early in the morning at 5.30 am to be aired by the fixed microphones around the town of Regional Office of the Information and Public Relations.
At 7 am, private buildings and offices would unfurl the National Flag and by government schools, colleges and other educational institutions as well as offices by 7.45 am. A colourful procession of students would move to DSA ground at 8 am. Floral tributes would be paid to the martyrs columns at Gandhi Bagh and Congress Bhawan. At 10.30 am would be held Ramanuj Gupta Memorial district level discussion on water related matter to be participated by students of colleges under the aegis of The Greens. Other programme to make the ID celebration memorable was distribution of fruits among the patients of Indian Red Cross Hospital, at 10.20 am among the prisoners of Central Jail, from 11 am to 12 noon among the inmates of orphanages, patients of Silchar Medical College Hospital, Blind Academy students. At 12 noon free film exhibitions in cinema halls have been arranged. Another important would be boat race at Kalibarichar at 3 pm.
It would be followed by exhibition football match at the DSA ground. In the evening the government offices and the images of great men would be illuminated. The district administration has extended invitation to all the citizens for their active participation in making the ID celebration eventful and memorable.
Source: The Sentinel 14.08.2013
Mystery deepens over the alleged custodial death of Bapan Roy
SILCHAR, August 13: Various socio–economic–educational organizations as well as civil bodies and citizens in large number joined together in submitting a petition to the Sub Divisional Officer of Lakhipur on Monday, urging upon him for early issuance of the post mortem report of Bapon Roy, resident of Nayagram, Fulertal, who died in mysterious circumstances in Central Jail here on June 13. Following his death, many questions were raised in civil society of Lakhipur sub division of Cachar about the circumstances in which Bapon had died.
Quite strange and surprising that even after a month of his death, his family members despite repeated pleas before the authorities concerned have failed to get a copy of the post mortem report. The petition to the SDO (Civil) reminded the SDO, Nabarun Bhattacharjee, that in spite of their best efforts, the post mortem report could not be made available to the family members which could shed light on the actual cause of his death. It was made clear if the post mortem report was not handed over to them, they would be left with no option than to go for long drawn agitation.
It is to be recollected that following public agitation against the alleged custodial death of Bapon Roy (33), resident of Fulertal in Lakhipur sub division of Cachar, Gokul Mohan Hazarika, Deputy Commissioner, has ordered high level probe into the tragic incident to be conducted by G S Panesar, ADC. The report has to be submitted within the next 10 days.
According to information from the sub–divisional town of Lakhipur, Bapon Roy was arrested by Lakhipur police on June 11 on the basis of the FIR filed by his wife, Bichitra Roy (27) against him under section 498 (A) vide case no. 153/2013. After being in the lock up of Lakhipur police station, he was taken to CJM Court here next day and produced before the presiding judge who ordered him to be sent to jail.
In the morning of June 13, Badal Roy, came to meet his son in the Central Jail here. He offered him some fruits to Bapon and found him in sound health. In the evening as desired by his wife, Niva Rani Roy, Badal Roy accompanied her. When they came inside the jail, they could notice unusual movement of policemen. The Superintendent of Jail informed Badal Roy that on being taken ill, his son, Bapon, had been admitted in Silchar Medical College and Hospital.
Both Badal Roy and his wife rushed to Silchar Medical College and Hospital immediately. They were not allowed to meet his son despite repeated requests. As they waited outside the emergency ward, they came to know that their son Bapon was no more. His body would be taken for post–mortem. They stood dumb founded, shocked and confounded, tears rolling down their eyes. They went back to their native place of Fulertal.
The death of Bapon sent waves of anger and anguish across Fulertal and when his dead body was taken there by ambulance, hundreds of people took to the streets, blocking NH 37. After that they brought out a procession with the death body of Bapon and marched down from Fulertal to Lakhipur. They laid siege of Lakhipur police station, accusing the police of torturing Bapon in their custody. Three sisters of Bapon, Shipan, Baby and Moina, all younger to him, were in the crowd along with their parents. All of them alleged police torture on Bapon.
Apprehending trouble, SDO (Civil), Nabarun Bhattacharjee, assisted by Circle Officer, Ruth Leinthang, with additional security forces were ready to meet the volatile situation. On the assurance of the SDO and the CO for a magisterial inquiry, the agitated people relented and lifted the siege of police station of Lakhipur. In fact, when Bopan was sent from Lakhipur police station to Silchar, he was hale and hearty. The allegations are that he was tortured by Silchar police.
Bapon Roy and Bichitra Roy of Hatukhal of Hmarkhawlein, not far from Fulertal, were married 9 months ago. They were living happily, as neighbours said. But, the complaint filed by his wife against him under the most controversial IPC section 498 did raise questions. It is expected that the inquiry report would reach the bottom of the truth to unravel all angles of the tragic death and the circumstances leading to the fatal end of Bapon Roy. The Panesar report to be submitted within 10 days was also delayed.
Source: The Sentinel 14.08.2013
Rash driving tells heavily on human life and limb
SILCHAR, August 11: Rash and reckless driving has been claiming life and limb of road users of all ages across Barak Valley. All this in brazen violation of traffic rules and regulations. Quite shocking, despite ban on pillion riding by the district administration in view of terrorist threat on Independence Day, it is seen that this is being observed more in breach than in compliance. On Friday, the day of holy Ramdan, alone, three fatal accidents involving motorbikes took place in different parts of the valley. The District Magistrate in each of the three districts and the traffic branch police, it appears from the frequency of accidents, have preferred to look the other way.
To recount the Friday accidents, a young boy identified as Anwar Hussain Laskar (18) along with his two pillion riding friends Tahir Ahmed and Manjur Ahmed, both teens, was seen driving his motorbike at high speed on NH 54 near Bhagabazar. The motorbike went beyond his control and dashed against two young boys, Jainal Abedin and Reazul, waiting for their family members who were to come and collect them after their prayers in the nearby mosque to be back home. All the three on the bike and the two little boys were grievously injured and had to be rushed to Silchar Medical College and Hospital. The angry mob set the bike on fire.
In the second instance, Bhanumati Roy, a middle–aged woman, was on her way to home at Aliacherra from Manipur tea garden when Gulmohar Barbhuiya on the driving seat of his motorbike with Tarique Ahmed and Rafique Ahmed, pillion riders, hit her from the back, injuring her badly. It was all due to rash driving. It happened on National Highway 154. Bhanumati lying in a pool of blood by the side of highway and the three on the bike who were thrown helter–skelter sustaining severe injuries were taken by local people to Hailakandi Civil Hospital for treatment.
There might have been more such accidents or mishaps on the road, but went unreported or unnoticed. A physician attached to Gharmura Primary Health Centre, Sambalin Roy (26), along with two other friends on the back, hit cycle riders, Kamal Hussain and Bilal Uddin, in their early ages, and badly injured them. All the injured were shifted to Hailakandi Civil Hospital.
With easy and slush money now easily available in the urban and rural areas, the number of motorbike riders has increased tremendously and many of them drive their two wheelers of all brands with fake registration numbers. Hardly one comes across any surprise checks or verifications by the traffic police. The magnitude of offence can well be understood from the fact that the ban on pillion riding for security reasons can easily be flouted. In fact, young motorbike riders in particular have become not only a cause of concern but also a menace. Pedestrians and passengers travelling by different modes of transport have become panicky to look at the ever increasing number of young bike riders and their wayward manner of driving. But, in road mishaps and accidents are also involved other types of vehicles.
According to the information, during the year 2012, there have been 123 road mishaps, claiming 24 human lives in Silchar and its suburbs. 297 persons were injured. In 2011, 38 persons died and 333 were injured in various forms in the 158 accidents. Again in 2010, 42 persons lost their lives and 364 were injured. 176 accidents in 2009 took away the life of 27 persons and injured 275 of them. Maximum number of injury was caused to 407 persons and death to 22 persons in the 181 accidents of 2008.
These deaths and injuries during the five years from 2008 to 2012 were caused by mishaps on roads and highways involving not only motorbikes but also light vehicles like Sumo, Cruiser and Max. Besides, trucks were also involved. Looking at the increasing volume of accidents on road, various civic bodies while voicing their concern at the safety and security of common people have called for strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, frequent surprise checks of vehicles and a coordinated approach by police and DTO in order to bring about discipline on the road where chaos prevails.
Source: The Sentinel 12.08.2013
Silchar News 