Letter from the Editor-In-Chief

March, 2009

February has been a month of many achievements in many different sectors for the North East dear readers, the most popular and widely celebrated among these perhaps being the victory of Ms. Sourabhee Debbarma in the recently concluded fourth edition of the very popular reality show Indian Idol. In addition to this, we also feature Miss Kavita Laithangbam from Manipur who is one of the most promising young stars of the movie world. These young people are paving the way for aspiring youths from the region with their achievements and thereby these achievements are all the more significant.

Also, the launching of the Majoni scheme in Assam through the able leadership of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is a move that will greatly further the cause of emancipation of women not only in Assam but throughout the whole region. Assam also saw another momentous occasion in the celebration of the seventh Bodoland Statehood Day. The rapid pace of development in this area is unprecedented and noteworthy. Arunachal Pradesh also celebrated its Statehood Day and despite the turmoil created by the agitating government officials in the state, nothing could put a damper on this auspicious occasion. Meghalaya saw many new and young faces come to the fore through its elections to the District Councils of Shillong, Jowai and Tura. The election of these young dynamic people clearly indicates a change in the trend of complacency that the people of Meghalaya are infamous for. People are taking matters into their own hands and are voting for change and this bodes well for the state as a whole.

This month’s issue also features the second of the four winners of the annual Eastern Panorama Fellowship. This article on human trafficking in Assam is a real eye opener and delves deep into this troubling yet little spoken of problem.

The cover story this month looks at the mysterious death of Dr. Thingnam Kishan, an SDO of Ukhrul district and his two subordinates. Allegations of foul play on the part of the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of Ukhrul district and the alleged involvement of the NSCN (IM) has sparked a huge public outcry. This is a very serious case with very volatile ramifications and the concerned authorities need to address the matter quickly and thoroughly to avoid any escalation of already heightened tensions.

All in all, its been a good month with much to celebrate and we at Eastern Panorama wish you happy reading…..

Dr. K. K. Jhunjhunwala