The Northeast Notebook

Assam8217;s survey on cancer
ALARMED at the rising incidence of cancer in the state, the B Barooah Cancer Institute in Guwahati has announced a detailed population-based cancer survey to find out the exact number and pattern of cancer in Assam. Institute director Dr A C Kataki, quoting a rough estimate, said the people of the region spend about Rs 70 crore annually in cancer treatment. Of this, about 50 per cent goes out of the Northeast as patients travel to Vellore, Chennai and Mumbai for treatment.

Meghalaya minister8217;s PR song
MEGHALAYA information and public relations minister Mukul Sangma has discovered a new way of reaching out to the people. A doctor turned politician, Sangma spends his spare time singing songs and playing the guitar.

Last week he released his first music video, singing in Garo8212;his mother tongue. In the album he appeals to the people to choose peace over violence. Music is a better medium, there is no politics in it, says Sangma.