858 arrested so far for violation of COTPA Aizawl,September 19 (NNN): As many as 858 people have been arrested so far in Mizoram for violation of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act (COTPA) during the last eight months. Officials of National Tobacco Control Programme said that from January to August, tobacco squad has conducted 144 anti-tobacco drives at several places and seized 9576 carton of cigarette and 2192 packets for violation of COTPA. During the last eight months, the anti-tobacco squad also conducted awareness programme on impact of tobacco consumption for 345 times at several institutions and 57 times in churches. It has also carried out training and workshop at several places on 72 occasions. About 2423 people also visited Tobacco Cessation Clinic during April- August, 2016. 15,000 faithfuls pledge for peace among humans Shillong, September 19 (PTI): Over 15,000 Unitarian faithfuls celebrated the 129th anniversary of the Unitarian Church in Meghalaya and Assam?s Karbi Anglong district today pledging for peace, love and brotherhood among fellow humans. The Church draws its theology largely from the indigenous Khasi religion even as it has its presence in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district. As with traditional Khasi faith, the major emphasis of Khasi Unitarianism is to carry out ones duty towards God and fellow humans, Rev D Pariat, the President of the Unitarian Church of North East India said. Assam seeks special provisions, grants for road maintenance Guwahati, September 19 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal today sought from the Centre special provisions and grants for maintenance of roads which are washed away in recurring flood and erosion in the state. Several Union ministers, including Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, here reviewed rural development schemes and their implementation in Assam with the Chief Minister, according to an official release. Sonowal said recurring flood and erosion posed a threat and requested Tomar to consider Assam as a “special category state” on these two issues and declare special schemes for socio-economic development. On the rural infrastructure, Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA), it was decided during the meeting to accord highest priority to the work envisaged under Deendayal Upadhaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana. Sonowal also requested the Union minister to create special provisions and grants for road maintenance as large parts of roads in Assam were washed away by recurrent floods. Among others, issues of rural skills, connectivity, livelihood, affordable housing, infrastructure with focus on rural economy were also discussed during the meeting, the statement said.