Land of Jewels (Sana Leibak)

Mary Kom gets Khel Ratna; Sarita Arjuna

2009-07-30T09:16:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, July 29: For the first time since the inception of the Rajiv Khel Ratna Award in 1991, three sportspersons -- four-time world boxing champion Mangte Chungneijang Marykom, Olympic bronze medallists boxer Vijender Singh and wrestler Sushil Kumar -- will receive the country`s highest sporting honour.

Mary will be the second sporstperson from the state to receive the prestigious award after weightlifter Nameirakpam Kunjarani.

The only other time more than one sportsperson was bestowed the award was in 2002-03 when shooter Anjali Vedpathak and athlete K.M. Beenamol shared it.

Meanwhile, chief minister of Manipur, O Ibobi Singh and his SPF government expressed happiness over the selection of Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Laishram Sarita for the Arjuna Award.

The chief minister said that four-time world boxing champion May Kom and international player Sarita were really rare and talented players. He expressed his pride at getting the most prestigious sports award by the players of the state and also asked the young players to concentrate and become good players while assuring that sports would surely bring peace to the state.

N Biren Singh, state minister for youth affairs and sports also expressed his happiness over the awards to be given to the players of the state and felt proud of such achievements by the state’s boxing players.

The sports ministry also announced the list of 15 Arjuna Award winners Wednesday.

India`s opening batsman Gautam Gambhir, world No.6 badminton player Saina Nehwal and trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi, who equalled the world record, are among those selected for the Arjuna Award.

The selection committee headed by former table tennis player Indu Puri also selected Olympic medallist Sushil`s coach Satpal and former All England Badminton champion and Saina`s coach Pullela Gopichand for the Dronacharya Award.

The prize money for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awards have been increased.

Khel Ratna prize money has been hiked from Rs.500,000 to Rs.750,000 while Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awards prize money has been increased from Rs.300,000 to Rs.500,000.

List of awardees:

Rajiv Khel Ratna: M.C. Marykom (boxer), Vijender Kumar (boxer) and Sushil Kumar (wrestling)

Arjuna Award: Mangal Singh Champia (archery), Sinimol Paulose (athletics), Saina Nehwal (badminton), L. Sarita Devi (boxing), Tania Sachdeva (chess), Gautam Gambhir (cricket), Ignatius Tirkey (hockey), Surinder Kaur (hockey), Pankaj Shirsat (kabaddi), Satish Joshi (rowing), Ranjan Sodhi (shooting), Poulami Ghatak (table tennis), Yogeshwar Dutt (wrestling), G.L. Yadav (yachting), Parul Parmar (badminton disabled)

Dronacharya Award: Baldev Singh (hockey), Jaidev Bisht (boxing), Satpal (wrestling) and Pullela Gopichand (badminton)

Dhyanchand Award: Ishar Singh Deol (athletics), Satbir Singh Dahya (wrestling).

Which 'Hockey Manipur' will run the game in Manipur!

2009-07-04T08:59:00.001+05:30

Just like in national hockey, the game in Manipur has also been split into two bodies with each of the two 'Hockey Manipur' proclaiming to be the governing body of the state.

Manipur Hockey Association (MHA), along with Manipur Women’s Hockey Association (MWHA) had constituted an interim unified body — Hockey Manipur — in a joint meeting on June 28 with MWHA president N Momon Devi as president and Th Manihar Singh as secretary general.

However, the Manipur Olympic Association on June 29 formed another ad hoc committee called Hockey Manipur, with MOA vice-president BC Singh as chairman and Olympian Ksh. Thoiba Singh as convenor.

The MOA in a statement said an Indian Olympic Association instruction on June 1 had necessitated the move. The Manipur Hockey Association and Manipur Women’s Hockey Association's membership to MOA was also suspended.

As Thoiba Singh would understand, the development is not good for the game in the state which has not produced an international in senior men for many years. The issue should be resolved amicably.

After Neelkamal and Tiken Singh, Thoiba was the last senior men international hockey player from the state and instead of striving for one upmanship, the hockey administrators in the state should work for how to develop the game.

Manipuri in Asian Youth Games

2009-07-02T16:29:00.002+05:30

Yumnam Hemjit Meitei was the only Manipuri in the Indian team in the inaugural Asian Youth Games (June 29-July 7) in Singapore.
He finished fifth in the 3 metre springboard diving final held on June 30 with 397.70 points. Wu Dongliang of China was first with 626.60 points, Alharbi Rashed of Kuwait second with 474.95, Cho Sung In of South Korea third with 474.05 and Ali Ospan of Kazakhstan fourth with 417.80 points.
Hemjit stood fourth in the preliminary rounds.
Even though Hemjit could not get a medal his fifth place finish was a laudable effort. Diving has never been a discipline in which India used to excel at the international stage.

Sex workers in Myanmar and HIV/AIDS in Manipur

2009-06-23T09:43:00.003+05:30

The news that HIV/AIDS infection in the three hill districts of Manipur bordering Myanmar -- Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul -- is on the increase mainly due to commercial sex workers from that country spreading the dreaded disease should be taken note seriously by the authorities.

Myanmar is a country where the incidence of HIV/AIDS is 1.3 per cent of the total population (240,000 out of 47,373,958) while it is 0.3 percent is case of India.

Myanmar ranks lowest among countries worldwide in international assistance per capita and among lowest in the world to get antiretroviral treatment access by the patients.

Currently, fewer than 20% of HIV-positive people in need of drugs receive them -- either from international groups or in small amounts from the government -- according to a report of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) released in November 2008.

More alarming is the fact that an estimated 42 per cent of Myanmarese women in the age group pf 15-49 carry HIV by the end of 2007. So, nearly one in every two women of Myanmar carry HIV and this should be higher in the case of commercial sex workers. This should be scary enough for the authorities in Manipur.

Myanmar is also one of the 22 countries with the highest TB burdens worldwide with about 1.5 per cent of their population contracting the disease annually. This will only add to Manipur’s health problem since TB associated AIDS is fast becoming a public health emergency in the state.

It will be a difficult job to restrict movement of people from the Myanmar side along the 358 km long porous international border. Measures like making easy availability of condom to the people, particularly to those prone to make contact with the women from the other side of the border, and making them aware about the use of condom are important.

Myanmar, as we know is an impoverished nation and their women would be lured for flesh trade on account of difference in foreign exchange of their money (Kyat) with the Indian rupee.

So, it is time now to give more focus on the hill districts.

HIV/AIDS facts of Myanmar:
47,373,958: population of Myanmar (2007)
240,000: Estimated number of people living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2007.
0.7%: Estimated percentage of adults (ages 15-49) living with HIV/AIDS by the end of 2007.
42%: Estimated percentage of HIV cases that occurred among women (ages 15-49) by the end of 2007.
24,000: Estimated number of deaths due to AIDS during 2007.
Source: UNAIDS 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic (July 2008).

No international law can stop Tipaimukh dam: envoy

2009-06-21T23:41:00.002+05:30

Dhaka, June 21: Indian high commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty has said his country had consulted Bangladesh over the construction of the controversial Tipaimukh dam on the Barak river.

He says there is no international law that could stop India from implementing the Tipaimukh dam, perceived to wreak huge environmental disaster on Bangladesh.

The envoy has taken a swipe at the BNP-led alliance for opposing against the Bangladesh-India Ganges water-sharing treaty and anti-India comments, which he said were aimed at gaining "political mileage"

Chakravarty has trashed the allegation that India is depriving Bangladesh of due share of the Ganges waters as an "empty political slogan".

"Recently, there has been a lot of agitation on the question of the Tipaimukh dam. I would like to reiterate that it is a hydro-electric multi-purpose project to produce electricity," Chakravarty said at a seminar on South Asian connectivity at the Sonargaon Hotel on Sunday.

"It is also helpful to some extent for flood control. The project has no component of irrigation purpose,"

Bangladesh-India Friendship Society organised the seminar attended by foreign minister Dipu Moni as chief guest.

The high commissioner said the Bangladesh-India Joint Rivers Commission at its 1972 and 1978 meetings recoginsed the construction of a storage dam on the river Barak, which entered Bangladesh as Kushaira and Surma.

"So, to say that India has not consulted Bangladesh is really thorough lie and totally false."

"All of you should know that there is no international treaty. There is a UN convention on the non-navigation and uses of water resources made in the late 1990s," he said.

He said the convention, approved and ratified by 17 countries so far, needed signing and ratification by 35 countries to be made into an international law.

He sharply criticised people who said the Tipaimukh dam would cause environmental disasters in the greater Sylhet region in Bangladesh.

"It is unfortunate that there are some so-called water experts who make comments without considering some of the issues.

"(They) are basically attempting to poison the minds of friendly people of Bangladesh against India."

The high commissioner said both Bangladesh and India were getting due share of waters as per the Ganges water treaty singed by the previous Awami League government in 1996.

"Some people in the country are trying to derive political mileage over the water share of common rivers.

"During the 2001 general elections in Bangladesh, there were voices raised for the annulment of the treaty. However, after the elections those voices were not heard anymore.

"We were expecting that maybe we will receive a letter that the treaty would be annulled or at least reviewed. But that did not happen," he said.

Chakravarty, who did not name the main opposition BNP, said they realised that the treaty was good for both sides.

The BNP-Jaamat-e-Islami alliance in their election manifesto had said that the Ganges treaty would be reviewed.

The high commissioner also said the flow of the Ganges shrunk due to climate change, population increase, and high number of irrigation projects along the river.

"Unfortunately, criticism of India and India phobia have become an instrument for deriving political mileage for a particular section," the envoy observed.

Common river Barak carries seven to eight percent of Bangladesh's water supply. Hundreds of small rivers and water bodies are dependent on the river for water supply.

Environmentalists in Bangladesh fear that the drying up of the water bodies will lead to the unemployment of millions of people dependent on the water bodies.

Source: www.bndews24.com

North-East could be cradle of civilization

2009-06-21T23:38:00.001+05:30

GUWAHATI: Archaeologists and historians have stumbled upon artefacts dating back to the Neolithic Age in Assam's Morigaon and Kamrup districts while investigating the Ahom era canon balls that were recently excavated from Kajolimukh.

Experts of the Strategic Research and Analysis Organisation (SRAO), a non-government historic research organisation, are investigating the remains in and around Kajolimukh and Mayong in Morigaon.

It was during the excavation work that they found rock engravings, potteries and other relics at Hatishila, about 10 km west of Kajolimukh. The archeaologists feel that the artefacts could belong to the pre-historic period, while some could even belong to the Neolithic Age.

"The findings point to the fact that Kajolimukh and Mayong could have been a cradle of human civilization," said Nilim Dutta of SRAO.

"Many pre-medieval rock images of Hindu deities and statuettes were found from both the banks of the Kalang River. There should be extensive archaeological exploration in the area," he said.

"Hundreds of such relics, representing our heritage, are found across paddy fields, marshes and water bodies in the area," he added.

Sources in the SRAO, which is conducting documentation and satellite mapping of the area, said the remains along the Kajolimukh-Mayong stretch encompass a huge of time span.

SRAO suggested that the sanctity of the historical sites through preservation of artefacts in situ should be ensured, taking the community into confidence and recognizing them as stake holders in the preservation initiative and setting up of museum and laboratory on the site.

The recent excavation of cannon balls at Kajolichowki, a military outpost at Kajolimukh, continues to throw new light on Assam's military history that goes far beyond the famous battle of Saraighat in 1671 between Ahoms and Mughals.

SRAO said Kajolichowki was not only a frontier post for the Ahoms that served as to keep a close watch on the movement of Jayantias, Dimarooahs, Garos and Khasis, it grew from intelligence gathering outpost to naval and military garrison of "formidable strength".

A SRAO team visited the site recently and collected 17 cannon balls for scientific examination. Preliminary examination of the cannon balls at the geology department of Gauhati University revealed 15 of them were made of natural rocks hewn into spherical shaped by skilled stonecutters using iron tools, while the remaining two were moulded from natural limonitic clay and hardened by burning them.

Source: Times of India

Mizo push for Barak railway plan

2009-06-21T23:36:00.000+05:30

SILCHAR, June 20: A powerful social organization from Mizoram has extended support to a convention proposed to be held in Silchar, Assam on Sunday demanding immediate implementation of the much-delayed Lumding-Silchar broad gauge project.

Young Mizo Association (YMA) members will also take part in the agitations to be chalked out by the Silchar-based Citizens' Forum during the meet. YMA expressed concern over the "inordinate delay" in implementing the broad gauge project, as the 221-km rail link is considered the lifeline for southern Assam, Tripura, Mizoram and parts of Manipur.

Sources said this is for the first time a Mizo organization joined hands with its Barak Valley counterpart for the cause of the rail project.

Source: Times of India

Shooting anarchy robs woman of marital bliss, twice

2009-06-21T10:19:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 20: "Looking at my three children, I am trying to forget the harrowing experiences of the past".

These are the words of Chitra who lost both her first as well as the second husband in the prevailing gun violence.

There are hundreds of women like Chitra in Manipur who are trying to piece together their shattered lives after their life partners have been killed without any trial by the State actors, non-State actors or simply armed hooligans.

When her first husband fell to the bullets of CRPF personnel, Chitra thought it was her destiny.

But thinking that living under the protective care of a husband may shield herself from the scornful look of the society and put an end to the persistent nagging of her child who did not know his father, she tied the knot again.

Unfortunately, her second husband too fell to the merciless bullet of unidentified armed person and she never knew why her second husband was killed.

When death of a husband is something that any women would not wish for, the double tragedy in her life has shattered Chitra completely and today she is surviving in the hope of her three children from her two short-lived wedlocks.

Talking to The Sangai Express on the sideline of the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence which is being observed every year from June 15 to 21, Chitra recounted the past incidents that she has been trying hard to forget but cannot.

On April 25, 1991, Chitra, then 23 years of age, was married to Laimayum Pradipkumar of Brahmapur Aribam Leikai, who was an attendant in RIMS.

The couple were in love and full of expectation from life.

However, after four years into wedlock, on January 6, 1995, Pradipkumar was among nine killed in the CRPF firing at RIMS gate.

At that time, Chitra was three months pregnant with their first child.

"As we could not conceive even after 3/4 years of marriage, we consulted many doctors and prayed to God for His blessing.

When God finally listened to our prayer and I was conceived with our first child, we nurtured many hopes and dreams for our child.

But alas, he is no more", Chitra recalled while trying to hold back her tears.

After the Shradh ceremony of her husband, Chitra returned to her maternal home where she gave birth a son.

"At the time of giving birth, I missed my husband and liked to see him so much that I cried a lot.

I had also been wondering how I am supposed to live without him.

After seeing our child, a new courage came over me and I resolved to carry on with life", Chitra said.

With the efforts of the Association formed in connection with the killing, Chitra had received the ex-gratia of her husband and after her family members ran from post to pillar, she was appointed to the post of her husband in RIMS.

Chitra went on to say, 'Life of a young widow in the society is full of hard-ships with people ready to take advantage and mock at at any given opportunity.

So I thought perhaps living under the protective care of a husband would be better not only in fending myself from the scornful look of the society but also in ensuring paternal love for my son who had not known his father'.

When her son was 6-yrs old, Chitra finally entered into wedlock for the second time with Heisnam Biren of Thanga Oinam Leikai who was a contractor by profession.

She gave birth to two daughters from the second wedlock.

Together with the three children, Chitra and Biren were starting their life anew when Biren was shot dead by unidentified armed persons on May 17, 2008 .

Chitra is currently staying at her maternal home.

The eldest son is now studying in class VI and the two daughters are respectively 5 and 3 years old.

To supplement the income of the family after losing both her husbands, Chitra, while continuing her job as the attendant in RIMS, is also working as a cook at Irengbam Thamcha Devi Nursing Health Care Research Institute receiving a monthly pay of Rs 2000.In the morning as well as in the evening, she cooks food for the students of the nursing institute and in the office hour she goes to attend her job at RIMS.

To bring up her three children as successful persons in life has been her only motive in life today.

Source: The Sangai Express

State to be declared drought affected

2009-06-21T10:15:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 20: With the quantity of rainfall recorded in Manipur midway to June not enough for agricultural activities, the State Government has prepared an Action Plan to combat the prevailing drought-like situation.

The Government is also likely to announce the State drought-affected very soon.

A meeting of the State Cabinet held today with Chief Minister in the chair seriously deliberated on the issue and formulated an Action Plan in this regard.

During the meeting, Disaster Management has also been entrusted to take up necessary measures in connection with declaring Manipur a drought hit State.

According to a senior Cabinet Minister, around Rs 5.11 crores would be spent on implementing the Action Plan which include preparing nursery over 1000 hectares at the estimated cost of Rs 27,000 per hectare.

A sum of Rs 2.70 crores which would be set aside for purpose of preparing the nursery and the task would be given to farmers and the nursery thus prepared would be distributed among the farmers free of cost by the Agriculture Department.

To irrigate the parched paddy fields from rivers, Agriculture Department would also be spending Rs 84 lakhs in procuring 200 water pumps of 7 horse power capacity, Rs 32 lakhs on procuring another 100 water pump sets of 5 horse power capacity.

Around 200 temporary dams would also be constructed ensure lifting the water from the rivers at an estimated cost of Rs 20,000 each.

On top of this, the Cabinet has also approved sanctioning of another Rs 15 lakhs as contingency fund.

The senior Minister further informed that the total estimated amount for all these activities comes to around Rs 4.41 crores.

Initially the Agriculture Department would provide the required amount and the same would be refunded by the Govt after the end of the Assembly session.

The Minister conveyed that out of the total 150 RLI schemes under the Minor Irrigation Department, around 60 are still functional.

To make some of these defunct schemes functional again, the Cabinet has also approved sanctioning of Rs 1.5 crores to the Minor Irrigation.

The Government is really concerned about the present drought like situation and the Action Plan would implemented within a week's time, the senior Cabinet Minister said, adding that side by side the State Government would also approach the Centre for necessary assistance in this regard.

It is said that the normal rainfall recorded in the State upto June every year is around 739.50 millilitre.

But this year only around 475 millilitres has been recorded.

This shows that rainfall is short by 58 percent this time when the fact is that a place can be declared drought affected the shortage of rainfall is 25 percent.

So the present situation in Manipur warrant declaration of drought affected.

Today's Cabinet meeting also decided that the DPC currently being held for recruitment of drivers in the Police Department should be clubbed together with the DPC for recruiting another 608 drivers.

Apart from approving handing over the land of the Central Library and the Social Welfare located at Keishampat to the Governor, the Cabinet meeting decided to entrust the Chief Secretary for taking up necessary measures in allotment of suitable sites to Central Library and Social Welfare.

Source: The Sangai Express

Police to pull up transporter

2009-06-21T10:12:00.000+05:30

Imphal, June 20: Manipur police may take action against a transport agency here for failing to report the alleged seizure of a truckload of medicines by the Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) in Senapati district last month.

The KRA allegedly seized medicines and life-saving drugs worth Rs 70 lakh from an Imphal-bound truck on May 20 and then released the vehicle belonging to Reliable Cargo. The Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association disclosed this yesterday.

“It has been nearly one month since the reported incident took place and no transporter or medicine store owner informed us about the incident till today. If reported on time, we could have acted immediately and recovered the items. We will pull up the concerned transport operator,” DGP Yumnam Joykumar Singh told The Telegraph.

Senapati district SP Nishit K Ujwal said the police would take action to recover the looted items.

Source: The Telegraph

'HIV/AIDS spreading in 3 hill districts'

2009-06-21T10:11:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 20: Even though the spreading of HIV/AIDS in the valley area has been able to control, the same is continuing in the three hill districts bordering with Myanamar, Churachnadpur, Chandel and Ukhrul, said project director of Manipur AIDS Control Society, Dr Kh Promodkumar today.

The project director observed this while speaking as guest of honour at the concluding function of the two-month entrepreneurship development programme for people living with HIV/AIDS organized by the Institute of Co-operative Management (ICM) under the sponsorship of the MACS and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Co-operative commissioner, P Vaiphei attended the function as chief guest in the function which was presided by ICM chairman Kh Borkishore.

Promodkumar said, the spreading of the dreaded disease in the three districts of Manipur, Churachandpur, Chandel and Ukhrul located along the 358 km long porous international border with Myanmar is on the raise citing the main spreading agent as women sex workers.

Myanmar women entering to the Manipur side could earn money easily from the flesh trade as Rs 100 in Indian Currency they get from having relation with a man when converted into Myanmar Currently, they could get 1000 kyat.

Out of the total population of the country 0.3 percent is infected by HIV/AIDS while in Myanmar it is 1.3 percent.

The main reason for high prevalence of the disease in the districts inter marriage between Myanmarese and Indian and having unsafe sex relation with the HIV/AIDS positive women, he said.

He revealed that in the valley area, the spreading of the disease to the uninfected persons can successfully control.

If steps for controlling the spreading in these hill areas be taken up, the state will continue getting impact of the disease.

Source: Hueiyen News Service

DESAM demands white paper on Prof Islamuddin killing

2009-06-21T10:09:00.002+05:30

Imphal, June 20: The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has demanded 'white paper' from the government on the killing of Professor Islamuddin and urged to immediately release the five students who were detained under National Security Act (NSA) in connection with the killing.

In a statement the Publicity and Propaganda Secretary of DESAM, KC Ibomcha made clear the position statement of the students' body on the detention of some students under NSA while also pointing out the achievements of the students' body since its inception in 2002.

DESAM has conducted survey in educational institutions and detected the ailments of the education system, the statement stated.

Remedial measures to address the defects have also been suggested with due consultation with experts, teachers and concerned individuals, and the fruits have already been enjoyed by the state, it added.

The students' body has also achieved in checking and eradicating the rampant practice of unfair means in examinations, it stated adding that the students' body has also made a speedy resurgence on the politicisation of education by MLA, Ministers, and authority that-be.

DESAM has also cracked the jamming of academic sessions that had been prevalent and rectified the system.

As a result, there has been no jam in academic session and no lost of academic year, it pointed out.

It has also caused the government and related officials, who had earlier victimised the teachers and hampered their works, the sense to mould the students, it observed.

It stated that the students' body has also regularly organised community meeting since 2003 to enable larger community participation in the education movement.

The students' body had also launched an intense movement in 2003 demanding to 'upsize' the education department instead of 'downsizing' against the standing order of the Central Government in 1999 and to follow the Expenditure Reformed Committee (ERC) recommendation, it recalled.

Since 2005, DESAM has also been instrumental in conducting awareness for students against the use of abusive drugs at several schools and colleges of the state, the statement asserted.

It has also launched the campaign to make education a free zone since 2007 while the students' body subsequently launched another campaign to maintain quality control in construction of educational institutions in 2008, it said.

Asserting that the students' body has tirelessly worked for the betterment of the education system, the statement claimed that it has also made concerted efforts for the development in the fields of sports, social welfare, and culture.

It further stated that from 2003-04 DESAM has also relentlessly strived to make qualitative and contemporary text books available to students adding that the students' body has also organised medical camps at several remote and cut-off places in the hill areas of the state.

The DESAM statement alleged that the mammoth rally that was taken out on July 5 last year to make education a free zone under the aegis of DESAM has been viewed by the government as a war against the government because they think that their henchmen would no longer be able to make filthy indulgence in the education department.

It added that the government has been trying to give unsavoury reputation to DESAM fearing that their wards who have studied outside would be deprived of higher posts and promotion if the education system of the state improved as spearheaded by DESAM.

The statement made clear that DESAM has never resorted to imposing bandh, blockade, general strike, and class boycott, during its over seven years of existence instead it has time and again made appeals to organisations, the people and students to desist from such form of agitations.

It alleges the government of encouraging the students' body to opt such forms of agitation.

Saying that the government is trying to depict DESAM as an organisation which stands against the public and which does anything they like but won't let anybody do anything like they do, the statement also detailed the instances thus: DESAM and AMSU are the two students' bodies which led others in condemning the killing of Prof Islamuddin, who is also the Proctor and former Dean of Students' Welfare of MU, by gunmen, it stated. However, the police had immediately made a swift move in arresting members of AMSU and DESAM.

Thirteen students including the Education Secretary of DESAM, Thoithoi and research scholars of MU were arrested in connection with the killing apart from launching a manhunt to arrest others, the statement pointed out.

It added that the incident has shocked the students' organisations as the students have no relation with the killing.

Two days after the killing, a jawan of IRB, involved in the killing, had surrendered to the police according to media reports, it stated.

A militant outfit had alleged that the killing was carried out by four IRB personnel who later escaped from a side of the University campus.

A day later, the KYKL claimed hands in the killing, it stated.

Source: Hueiyen News Service

Ranbir Thouna takes forward 'Save Loktak' campaign

2009-06-21T10:06:00.001+05:30

IMPHAL, Jun 20: An audio and a video cassette were released in connection with the “Save Loktak - our life,’ a mass campaign started by singer Ranbir Thouna in order to save Loktak lake, the only fresh water lake in the north eastern region, which is also a lifeline for the Manipuri people, at a function held this evening at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy in Imphal.

The release function was attended by state tourism minister, TN Haokip as chief guest and education minister L Jayentakumar as the president. The state IFCD minister N Biren, T Mangibabu the chief whip of the Congress, Dr. Kh Ratankumar, chairman of the MANITRON, MLA M Prithiviraj and RK Jnanranjan, general secretary of the AMMIK were the guests of honour on the occasion.

TN Haokip said he felt that only the state government’s initiative was not enough to save the Loktak, but it required the cooperation and support of the people too. He appealed to the public of the state to work jointly to save the Loktak which is a vital lake for the state.

L Jayentakumar maintained that the Loktak was a big resource for the people of Manipur, but if the people kept affecting its eco-system it was sure that in the coming years the Loktak would disappear totally from the state. And once this happens various problems like drought and floods would besiege the state, he said while stating it was the right time to control all unwanted happenings in and around the Loktak area.

In order to save Loktak the very first initiative taken by Ranbir Thouna should be to encourage the people of Manipur to take care of the lake.

The audio and video cassettes were released by Tammna Sanggai and Ranbir Thouna is the director of the productions.

In this connection, a musical nite has already been organised on April 10 at the BOAT in Imphal, and road shows, motorcycle rallies and pamphlets and hoardings also used last month.

Source: Imphal Free Press

Meinya calls for new law on child labour

2009-06-21T10:04:00.000+05:30

IMPHAL, Jun 20: The present trend of hiring children as domestic servants by the high society people should be immediately stopped and a new law need be set up in order to control child labour in the state, said Member of Parliament from Manipur, Dr. T Meinya at the inaugural function of the 5-day long seminar on ‘Child labour and wages trend of unorganised workers section Manipur.’

Dr. T Meinya who graced the function as chief guest further noted that child labour is a very critical issue in a state like Manipur and it would be very wrong if we consider the issue minor. In order to control it, the state government along with the people of the state, need to work together to stop child labour immediately, he said.

Child labour is against the law but people keep flouting the law. However, instead of giving punishment to the culprits we should try to make them understand the fact that children are the future of the nation and they should receive the rights of education and childhood life, he noted.

The function was also attended by AR Khan, the commissioner of labour and employment, government of Manipur as president. The seminar organized by the Eastern Citizens Organisation, Imphal will be held at different parts of the city for five consecutive days.

Source: Imphal Free Press

Facing extortion truckers boycott Nagaland

2009-06-21T10:01:00.002+05:30

Dimapur, June 20: The threat of shortage of essential items and consequently price hike in Nagaland, is looming with transporters in Assam finally calling for an indefinite ‘Chakka Jam’ from 5 AM this morning.

The consequences of rampant extortion are finally taking effect with the truckers and transporters refusing to enter the state. The strike is in protest against the rampant extortion and collection of “unauthorized tax” by various Naga and non-Naga underground organizations in Nagaland and also assault on drivers.

The truckers under the aegis of the All Assam Truck Owners, Driver, Handymen Association have decided not to cross “all Nagaland entry points” like Bokajan, Mariani and Amguri. This means all districts in the state will now face shortage of essential commodities, if the state government does not intervene with strong political will.

More than twenty heavily-laden trucks with essential and perishable commodities are halted at Bokajan in view of the ‘Chakka Jam’; more vehicles are expected to be ‘stranded’ this evening, when other trucks from Guwahati and other Assam towns reach Bokajan. The truckers have affirmed that they would not enter Nagaland until and unless the matter of extortion is resolved.

They are waiting for a response from the state government of Nagaland and the district administration of Dimapur. However, there has been no strong intervention from Nagaland’s side, the truckers said. Their demand is simply to check the illegal collections of money and extortion in Nagaland. However, trucks traveling to Manipur have not been put under the scope of the ‘Chakka Jam’ and Manipur-bound trucks plied undisturbed.

The decision to call the ‘Chakka Jam’ was reportedly taken after the Guwahati Goods Transport Association convened a meeting of the All Assam Transporters’ Association, Truck Drivers and Handymen Association, Guwahati Transporters Labour Union, Golaghat Truck Owners Association on April 17 in Guwahati. It is reported that traveling the Nagaland route has become dangerous for the truck drivers and handymen due to rampant extortion by illegal organisations.

Drivers and handymen are also reported to be constantly assaulted. Though collection of money by petty organizations and even personnel of state agencies is not a new thing in Nagaland – with such reports being carried in the media from time to time – the truckers this time have asserted that the limits have been crossed.

Truck owners and drivers said that various organizations collect a fixed amount from all trucks entering Nagaland. According to them, a truck loaded with iron rods have to pay Rs 8000, grocery items Rs 6000, onions Rs 4000, potatoes Rs 5000, fish Rs 10000, eggs Rs 5000 and so on to the underground outfits. Besides, armed groups like the NSCN factions, the Kuki National Front, UPDS demand huge sums of money, they lamented.

Interestingly a truck owner in Bokajan and a truck driver alleged even the police, the MVI, Excise, Narcotics and Dimapur Municipal Council exact much beyond the stipulated norms. “Let them (personnel at check gates) ask for twenty-thirty rupees for ‘having tea’, then it is okay, but collecting Rs 200-Rs 300 daily is too much for us to bear,” the truck owner lamented.

“From Guwahati to Bokajan we spent Rs 1000, however from here (Bokajan) to Dimapur we spent Rs 5000,” the truck owner said, while disclosing that they have to pay money to the personnel of state agencies and the DMC manning the check gates.

The truck owner also ridiculed that while groups like the NSCN outfits demand Rs 5000 per trucks, other outfits like the UPDS and KRA are demanding Rs 10,000 more than the NSCN factions. Outfits like the UPDS, KRA, PLA and others entrust local boys to collect the extortion money on their behalf, the truckers disclosed.

The drivers said even after payment of money to the underground organizations, the truckers are demanded to pay more by the cadres saying that the ‘coupon’ of payment was from a “duplicate” group, and they hand out another so-called “original” slip.

The drivers also disclosed that last month one truck driver was abducted by some criminals in Dimapur; a ransom of Rs 50,000 was demanded from the truck owner which was duly paid and the driver was released. However, the driver was badly assaulted sustaining serious injuries and had to be hospitalized. Petty, unknown and illegal and unrecognized organizations, the trucker owners said, also join in the extortion. One such organization is one so-called “Empty Bottles Association” handing out coupons to the truck drivers, they said.

With the bulk of the state’s essential commodities like rice, oils, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and fish come into the state through Assam, the districts in Nagaland is sure to face an acute shortage of essential commodities within the next few days if the Chakka Jam continues. Many concerned citizens in Dimapur know that a shortage in the essential commodities would lead to hoarding of goods and sky rocketing of prices in the towns by unscrupulous businessmen.

A truck driver in Bokajan also said that the perishable goods in the trucks would get spoilt if kept for a long time. However, a truck owner said that they would have no problem as the goods can always be unloaded in Bokajan or some other towns in Assam. ‘The ultimate sufferer would be the people of Nagaland’, a truck owner regretted.

Source: Morung Express

Another Story:
DMC concerned over truckers’ strike

Dimapur, June 20: The Dimapur Municipal Council has expressed serious concern at the indefinite strike called by the All Assam Truckers’ Union. Stating that the concern is not only for Nagaland, the DMC implied Manipur state will be affected as well.

“The genuine cause of the truckers has to be addressed through the concerted efforts of the local and the state governing bodies including the chambers of commerce, the hohos and the NGOs to reign in the various illegal unions and associations which has literally mushroomed in and around Dimapur over the past few months,” stated a message from the DMC’s chairperson.

It said the urgent need is to “make representations” to what the DMC called “the concerned groups” to show “leniency as far as taxation in Dimapur is concerned” because the ultimate victim is the common man.

The DMC also warned traders and the business community to adhere to the present rates prevailing in the market and not to create any artificial scarcity or impact price hike due to the bandh. “(The DMC’s) Rate Control department and the Essential Commodities department have already swung into action to ensure that everything is under control”, the DMC assured. The DMC has further requested the public not to be alarmed and to refrain from panic-buying as it would aggravate the situation and encourage illegal hoardings.

In response to the truckers’ strike, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce has appealed to the public not to “worry” as there is “sufficient stock of essential commodities to last for few weeks”. The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce in a message today also appealed to the transporters to reconsider their decision as the public will suffer. The DCC appealed to the public not to go for “huge purchase of essential commodities”.

This will lead to unnecessary shortage of essential commodities, the message reminded. All the business establishments and shopkeepers are told not to take advantage of the situation by hiking prices and create ‘shortage of goods’.

To the agitating truckers, the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce requested the truck owners’ association and its subsidiaries in Assam to kindly consider its decision. Failure to revoke its decision will lead to suffering of the public. The matter of rampant extortion by naga and non-naga undergrounds among others and illegal taxes by many other unauthorized elements have finally compelled the truckers to stop entering Nagaland state.

The chamber said the matter has already been highlighted to the administration. The truck owners’ association and its subsidiaries in Assam are requested to also allow trucks coming from other states.

Source: Morung Express

Shija's unique operation restores man's eyesight

2009-06-21T09:52:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 20: Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI) has accomplished yet another medical milestone with the restoration of a man's eyesight through the use of amniotic membrane transplant.

According to Dr Sachindra Laishram of SHRI's Eye Care Foundation, one PL Benjamin (47) of Senapati Bazar was on June 5 evening brought to the private medical centre with burns on the right forearm and both eyes which the individual suffered from lime bubble bursts while he was preparing to white-wash his house.

After examination of the patient's condition by a team comprising himself and one Dr Noornika Khuraijam the latter on further studies strongly suggested application of the amniotic membrane transplant method in the restoration operation of Benjamin's damaged cornea, recounted Dr Sachindra who explained amniotic membrane as thin innermost membranous sac enclosing the developing embryo of higher vertebrates such as reptiles, birds and mammals.

It is informed that Dr Noornika preserved the amniotic membrane of a woman who had caesarian operation in delivering her child at the same medical centre and opportune moment as Benjamin was being put through surgical examination.

As the amniotic membrane was declared to be free of any diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B/C by Dr Noornika the transplantation procedure was initiated on Benjamin on June 7, maintained Dr Sachindra further adding that the patient recovered (visually) on the seventh day thereby encouraging SHRI authorities to discharge him on June 15 .

According to Dr Sachindra the surgical method was the first of its kind in Manipur even though it is being performed in other hospitals of the country where there are eye bank facilities.

The doctor also expressed relief that Benjamin was immediately rushed to SHRI for some further delay is certain to have caused corneal opacity thereby likely to reduce all efforts to nought.

Meanwhile, SHRI's Managing Director Dr Kh Palin informed that the Eye Care Foundation besides being well equipped with modern machinery is run by medical personnel who specialises in problems of the eyesight such as retinal and corneal complications.

Moreover, an eye bank unit would also be set up at the private medical centre very soon, he added.

Source: The Sangai Express

Hero's welcome accorded to Suranjoy

2009-06-20T10:30:00.003+05:30

Imphal, June 19: Asian Boxing Championship gold medallist Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh was accorded a warm welcome by the people of Manipur on his arrival at Imphal today.

Suranjoy, who clinched the flyweight category (51 kg) gold medal at the Asian championship held at China's Zhuhai from June 7 till 13, arrived at Tulihal Airport at around 9.15 am from where he was accompanied by a large number of enthusiastic supporters to SAI SAG Centre, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.

At the felicitation programme hosted by SAI NERC, Imphal and attended by many SAI officials and sportspersons, Mayang Imphal Assembly Constituency MLA Dr Kh Ratankumar, who is also the chairman of MANIDCO, formally handed over a cash reward of Rs 50,000 in recognition of the 22 year old's accomplishment at the international arena.

Later in the day, Suranjoy also attended another reception programme jointly organised by Mayang Imphal Khuman Youth Association and All Uchiwa Development Association at Uchiwa Pakhangba Lampak.

A native of Mayang Imphal, Suranjoy ended India's 15 year gold medal drought at the Asian Championship with the triumph at the recently concluded Zhuhai championship.

Suranjoy's career collection, so far, include eight gold, one silver and same number of bronze medals at the National level competition while at the international level his haul has gone up to four yellow metal, five silver and two bronze medals.

Source: The Sangai Express

Another Story:

Imphal, June 19: His gold medal glittering in the sun and tears streaming down his face, Manipur’s very own Mike Tyson returned home today to a tumultuous welcome.

Boxer Mayengbam Suranjoy Singh has not only brought a gold medal — which he won at the Asian Boxing Championship held at Zhuhai in China — but also hope and joy for the state which has been wreaked by violence in recent times.

Suranjoy defeated Chinese boxer Li Chao 9-8 in the final of the 51kg bout at the boxing meet held from June 7-13.

It was truly a champion’s welcome as hundreds of fans, well-wishers and family members garlanded Suranjoy with tears of joy at Tulihal airport here this morning.

Amid the jostling, Suranjoy said, “This is just the beginning and I hope to repeat and better myself in future competitions.”

“This is an Asian ring but I hope to do better in the world championships and Olympics,” he added. The pugilist credited his success to his coach N. Ibomcha Singh, who had guided and nurtured him.

Suranjoy, a native of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba in Mayang Imphal, is a chief petty officer in the Indian Navy in Mumbai.

The crowd that was eagerly waiting at the airport went berserk as Suranjoy was heaved onto an enthusiastic fan’s shoulders.

Among those present at the airport were Mayang Imphal Congress legislator Kh. Ratankumar Singh along with erstwhile coach N. Ibomcha Singh and another boxing champion, Dingko Singh.

The boxer was later driven in an open jeep through the streets of Imphal. He also visited the Special Area Games complex at Khuman Lampak to express gratitude to his mentors and friends. Ratankumar presented him a cheque for Rs 50,000.

Suranjoy’s proud father, M. Inakhunba Singh, was speechless with delight. The state government will felicitate Suranjoy along with silver medallist Th. Nanao Singh, at the Khuman Lampak main stadium tomorrow morning.

Source: The Telegraph

Scribes decry threat from militant

2009-06-20T10:26:00.000+05:30

Imphal, June 19: The All Manipur Working Journalists' Union has strongly condemned the threat issued to the media by an individual who identified himself as one Taiwan of PULF for not publishing a press release issued by an organisation which has never been heard of before.

In a statement, the scribes' body said that Taiwan had called up a newspaper house and informed that a bomb has been lobbed at the office of The Sangai Express and further warned that such attack would be launched at other newspaper offices.

Besides this another person who identified himself as one Khamba Luwang of the KCP also called up newspaper houses today morning and demanded to know why the statement was not published.

AMWJU and Editors in a meeting discussed the issue at hand and appealed to the Government to ensure security so that the media persons can work freely without fear.

An emergency meeting of editors and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union, AMWJU, held at the Sangai Express, condemned the manner in which a previously unheard of organization called newspaper offices and claimed they had hurled a bomb at the office of the Sangai Express and that they would be attacking other newspaper offices for not publishing a press statement by them the previous day, thus spreading fear amongst the press community.

A short press release after the meeting said one of the caller identified himself as Taiwan of the PULF task force. In some other offices, another caller identifying himself as Khamba Luwang of the KCP inquired why the particular press release was ignored.

Today’s meeting also appealed to the government to take adequate measures to ensure security to pressmen.

A heavy team of the Imphal west police accompanied by a team of Manipur bomb squad rushed to the Sangai Express office immediately after getting the information and carried out a big search in and around the office complex. However, the police team could not find any explosives at the office complex.

Meanwhile, the local public of Thouda Bhabok Leikai, where the newspaper office is situated, on getting information of the bomb threat gathered near the Sangai Express office and assisted in efforts made by the security forces to trace the bomb.

Manipur's first test tube babies

2009-06-20T10:17:00.002+05:30

Imphal, June 19: That medical science has gone a long way in ameliorating the suffering on mankind besides bringing a smile on the face of many has been proven in many cases and Manipur today has a couple who can be inlcuded in the list of those blessed by medical science.

Yumnam Jakendra and his wife Niengboi Haokip were a heart broken couple after their first born daughter Y Mangalleima was killed in a militant ambush at Assam's Karbi Anglong district five years ago.

What fate had cruelly robbed them, medical science has stepped in to apply the needed balm, courtesy a bonny test tube twin girls, the first test tube baby in the State, that too twins.

Not surprisingly today they fit the bill of the happiest couple in the world.

Not only have the twins come as a blessing for their parents, but it is also a testimony of the expertise of the team of doctors behind the babies.

The two babies were born through the Invitro Fertilization Technology on Thursday at Suba Hospital and Assisted Reproductive Centre (SHARC).

A jubilant Jakendra (48), who is serving as a Professor in the Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal said that he is the happiest man in the world today.

"My late daughter Mangalleima has reincarnated. I extend my sincere gratitude to the skilled doctors of SHARC for giving me my daughters".

The happy mother along with her twin daughters are being taken care by the doctors of the private hospital.

Recounting the horrific incident five years back, Jakendra said that he, his wife and daughter were passing Karbi Anglong in a bus for a tour to Sikkim when militants rained bullets on the vehicle in 2005."My (then) only daughter, who was sitting between me and my wife , was caught by the bullets and died on the spot .

Since then all our efforts to get another child proved futile, " Jakendra said.

"We had earlier attempted the invitro fertilization technology many times outside the State incurring a huge amount of money, but it is only now that it has turned out to be a success in SHARC, Imphal," he added.

SHARC doctors said the mother and her two daughters are fine and in good health.

"It was a collective effort by a team of doctors. The babies are the true biological daughters of the couple (Jakendra and Niengboi)," said W Indevor, one of the doctors.

He said the incubator for fertilizing and developing the male's sperm and the female's eggs was installed in the hospital in March 2008 .

"For the first phase and for the first time in the State we conducted the test from a few couples of which three of them proved successful and the twin daughters of Jekendra and Niengboi are the first test tube babies born on the soil of Manipur," he said.

With the success of this technology, a huge amount of money spent by parents outside the State to get babies will be a thing of the past, the doctor said while calculating that more than half of the whole amount spent outside the State hospitals (including travel and lodging expenses) will be saved.

Source: The Sangai Express

Another Story:

Test tube baby heralds new era of hope for childless couples

Imphal, June 19: With the successful implementation of invitro fertilisation technology, commonly known as test tube baby, in the state, there is now new hope for childless couples.

The success of the first test tube baby in the state is a landmark event with doctors at the Suba Hospital and Assisted Reproductive Centre at Kombirei Keithel, Lamphel creating history by helping in the birth of twin baby girls on June 18 to bring back joy in the lives of Yumnam ongbi Nengboi Haokip, and her husband Y Jekendra of Pishumthong.

According to Dr. Indiber of the hospital, the formal experiments for the test tube baby was started after they were approached by the childless couple Yumnam Jekendra and his wife Nengboi who had lost their one and only daughter in an unfortunate incident few years back.

The couple had travelled far and wide and met several doctors at renowned hospitals in the hope of an assisted reproduction, after the demise of their daughter. The couple finally came to the Suba hospital and soon the doctors started experimentation on the possibility of a test tube baby in October last year.

The doctor further said that Nengboi was under full medication during her pregnancy period and the constant medical attention resulted in the delivery of the first test tube baby girls to be born in Manipur. Both the baby girls and the mother are in good condition and getting medical care at the hospital.

The doctor mentioned that it was the first successful use of test tube baby technology in the state by the Suba hospital, and with their success they were now planning to continue the same treatment at a cheaper rate of Rs. 60,000 to 70,000 against the usual expenditure of Rs. 1.5 lakhs to 2 lakhs at outstation hospitals.

For the excited couple, Jekendra and Nengboi, nothing could be sweeter than this moment of joy in their lives and they have given full credits to the doctors of Suba hospital and also expressed gratitude to the Almighty for blessing them with not one, but two, healthy baby girls.

Source: The Imphal Free Press

JAC disapproves transfer of Kishan murder case

2009-06-20T10:14:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 19: Disapproving the move for transfer of the case related to the murder of Kasom Khullen SDO Dr Thingnam Kishan and his two staff��Y Token and A Rajen by NSCN (IM) men led by Lt Col Hopeson Ningshen from Manipur to Delhi, the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Th Kishan, A Rajen and Y Token asserted that the conveniences of the parties and witnesses should be given foremost priority.

The JAC, in a press release, pointed out that the crime took place in the State and that the victims, the culprits and witnesses are inhabitants of Manipur.

The case should not be moved from Manipur to Delhi merely on the apprehension of the State DGP about ethnic clash between Meiteis and Nagas which is unfounded considering the spontaneous outcry made by every section of the society both in the hills and valley against the triple murder.

The transfer of the case is to be moved by the parties only after the submission charge sheet by the investigating agency.

In the present case, the investigation is at the very initial stage and CBI has not yet submitted the charge-sheet.

Transferring the case at this stage would be gross abuse of section 406 CrPC, the JAC noted.

Mere allegation such as substantial prejudice, ethnic clash based on the letter of apprehension of the DGP and absence of congenial atmosphere for a fair and impartial trial cannot be the valid grounds for transfer of the case.

The JAC decried the failure of CBI to initiate any action to apprehend the other co-accused involved in the gruesome murder.

Saying it has learnt that all the privileges of category-A prisoner are being extended to accused Hopeson Ningshen at Tihar Jail, Delhi, the JAC observed that such deviation defies logic.

Source: The Sangai Express

The mystique of women’s movement in Manipur

2009-06-20T10:12:00.001+05:30

The women in Manipur as in certain other parts of the country have been glorified and extolled as those occupying a high position in society, as a section of the community that has a voice that is heard and taken into account. In Manipur for instance, Meira Paibis amongst the Meiteis are given near sacred positions in the public sphere related to uprisings against excesses committed by state armed forces.

The same goes for various other women groups in the hills. Khasi women in Meghalaya are portrayed as following matriarchy though it is only the matrilineal system that they follow: in terms of property rights. Here again, there is a wide gulf between what is perceived and what actually is. For instance, any property arrangements in terms of its sale, is not in the hands of the woman.

Rather, it is only with the sanction of the maternal Uncle that decisions can be taken. The ‘Dorbar” which is the traditional decision making body of the Khasis do not allow the participation of women in its fold.

Nearer home, it is men alone who decide the norms of each Leikai or community. For instance, the male heads of each family gets together to decide any important decision pertaining to the locality, starting from religious functions like allotting turns for festival responsibilities to issues of social service, construction of community halls and libraries etc.

Women participation comes mainly in the cultural sphere: leading marriage processions but here too, the norms of patriarchy get into the picture. It is only women who have a male progeny as her first born who can lead such functions. In more orthodox families, widows are not even allowed to be a part of the ‘reception’ part of the marriage when the bridegroom reaches the marriage venue.

There is great irony in the fact that the presence of “women leaders” is only in the public sphere of life and hinges on political statements: the safety of men-folk and the honor of womanhood. But what of the women themselves, in their private sphere of life? Do the same women who go out on the streets have property rights? Are there understandings of gender and its stereotypes?

There can be no deeper irony than the reactions of these leaders when they are confronted with issues of say domestic violence amongst their own sisterhood. The immediate reaction is that the victim of violence at the hands of a husband or a family member has to be accepted by the victim as something that happens in the heat of differences.

There are no mechanisms for referring both victim and perpetrator for counseling but rather, the issue is sidelined to the margins of eerie silence. Objectively, the existing mechanisms of movements in the state by women are just that: movements by women and hence, they cannot be looked as movements for the issues around women.
There has been stoic silence on women who have succumbed to bullets and other forms of violence perpetuated by non-state forces. Neither are there any mechanisms for support offered by even the politically recognized women groups to women who have been turned out of their marital homes after their widowhood or for those who have divorced.

Women movements across the world are democratized and are inclusive of every woman. There are no distinctions on ethnicity, race or qualifications. Rather, there is a commonality of womanhood and shared ideals of sticking together for the cause of women. The women of Manipur have to strive towards that if they are to contribute meaningfully and on an informed basis. On the contrary, if existing groups are to remain as peripheral and parallel entities, there will be no further avenues to grow beyond the narrow paradigms they have become over the years since their existence.

Source: The Imphal Free Press

Manipur migrants leave camp, workers trickle back

2009-06-20T10:08:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 19: With no further reports of attacks on non-Manipuris, migrants workers in the state have started leaving the two relief camps since yesterday to resume work.

An official source today said only 20 of them were left at the Kalibari relief camp and as many at the dharamshala one in Imphal city.

“The migrants reported to police stations at their work sites. This is for their safety,” the official said.

Prabhu Prasad, a cobbler from Bihar, was the last migrant to be attacked.

On Monday night, an unidentified person hit him on the forehead at Lamphel in Imphal West district. Prasad said the man had hit him on the face with a stone while he was returning from work to his rented house in Lamphel, on the outskirts of Imphal town, around 7pm.

The relief camps were opened after the attack on six migrants at the Central Agricultural University at Eroisemba in Imphal West on June 11 night.

Two gunmen had called out six labourers, all from West Bengal, from their hut on the university campus where they were engaged as construction workers. The gunmen lined them up on the football field on the campus and fired at them. Four labourers were killed while two escaped.

The attack triggered an exodus of Bengali migrant workers from Manipur.

Other workers, mostly from Bihar, stayed back and started returning to their respective place of work.

The migrants sheltered at the relief camps are mostly barbers, cobblers, construction labourers, daily wage earners, hawkers and washermen.

The Delhi-based Northeast Support Centre and Helpline, that look after the welfare of people coming from the Northeast, condemned the killing of migrants in Manipur.

“There can be adverse consequences (of the killings) for the northeastern communities living outside the region,” the spokesman for the support group, Madhu Chandra, said.

Source: The Telegraph

Krishnadas killing accused in police remand

2009-06-20T09:58:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 19: Seram Ashalata, the woman who was arrested by the police for her alleged involvement in the murder of Yengkhom Krishnadas, has been further remanded to police custody for four days after being produced before the CJM, Imphal, BK Sharma, on Friday.

She was produced before the court this afternoon around 2 pm.

The court also directed the police to give medical treatment to the accused immediately in view of her health condition. The court also granted permission for the woman’s counsels, Ch Ratishor and Aheibam Kumarjit, to attend court during the course of her interrogation.

According to sources from the court, the police pleaded with the court for remand of the accused in their custody for a longer period, but the plea was rejected and the remand granted for only four days. The accused is to be produced before the court on June 22 around 1 pm, said the sources.

Seram Ashalata, 36, wife of Ramchandra of Tera Sayang Road was arrested on June 13 by the police for her alleged involvement in the murder of Y Krishnadas, a local contractor hailing from Kakching, who was kidnapped from his Thangmeiband residence on the night of June 10 around 10 pm by armed miscreants for a ransom of Rs. 2 crores. He was later found murdered on June 12 morning near Lilong Water Supply even after a ransom of Rs. 25 lakhs had been taken.

Besides Ashalata, the police also rounded up another person, an inmate of the Sajiwa Jail, identified as Laishram Nando, on the charge of masterminding the kidnap and murder of Krishnadas.

Source: The Imphal Free Press

Light at the end of tunnel for Manipur tribals

2009-06-20T09:55:00.001+05:30

IMPHAL: Tribals, young and old, in the remote villages of Old Lemta, Dunong and Makuinong in Manipur’s Tamenglong district bordering Nagaland have never seen electric light. Only the lucky few who visited Imphal or other towns in the country had seen this wonder.

However, thanks to the Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency, a government undertaking, now the tribals have solar electricity. Solar lighting panels were installed at the personal initiative of N. Awangbow, MLA representing the remote and neglected villages.

C. Kadijaiwi, chieftain of Old Lemta, said it would take not less than half a century for the Electricity Department to power the villages. There are no modern amenities available to the villagers and electricity is still a pipe dream.

C. Hungamkhambou, chieftain of Dunong, said students had no light to study at night. A litre of kerosene costs Rs. 40 or more in the district. As poor villagers cannot afford to keep lamps, they have dinner before nightfall and go to bed soon after.

N. Wikambou, a pastor at Makuinong, said the villagers’ dream had now come true and they were grateful to officials and Mr. Awangbow.

As the sky is always clear in this mountainous area, there will be no dearth of solar power.

But, in the capital Imphal, the Electricity Department supplies power only for a few hours every day. In sharp contrast, there is round-the-clock power supply in the neighbouring Nagaland.

The Manipur government has been obtaining power from the NHPC-run Loktak Hydro Electric Project and the national grid.

However, the Power Department has been unable to clear outstanding bills, running to crores. It has been reported that government departments, ministers and high officials owe power bills amounting to over Rs. 15 crore. .

There are many villages which have electric posts and transmission lines, but no electricity. Now, the happy tribals of Tamenglong district feel that all remote villages should be provided solar lighting, which will illuminate their homes every night, rather than power connections.

Source: The Hindu

Opinion: Sanjoy Hazarika

2009-06-20T09:49:00.001+05:30

NE in age of coalition politics: touchstone of Meghalaya

The new council of ministers, with a predominance of Congress representatives, shows a fascinating compromise that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi as well as their chief aides, not least Rahul Gandhi, have manoeuvred. And nowhere is the delicate, difficult and thankless task of coalition building seen best as in the case of little Meghalaya where both members of parliament have found a place.

The reason is not far to seek: it is an interesting reflection of the complex and inconsistent reality both of Indian politics as well as of the immense challenges that the Northeast presents to New Delhi.

In one way it's simple: Purno Sangma's daughter, Agatha, won from the Tura constituency which was her father's fiefdom for 30 years. The youngest member of the Lok Sabha at 28, she defeated her nearest rival, Deborah Marak, by a bare 17,945 votes. It was clearly a close call and her opponent, a former minister in the state government, gave her a tough fight.

But the facts are much more complex - first, Agatha defeated a candidate from the very Congress party which is allied to her party, the Nationalist Congress Party of her father and Sharad Pawar, in other parts of the country. Yet in Meghalaya, the two parties are at daggers drawn, with Sangma first cobbling together an anti-Congress coalition and the Congress having its revenge by toppling Sangma's coalition a few months later.

Secondly, to placate the state Congress, the party leadership had no option but to also give the party's winner in Shillong, Vincent Pala, who in contrast to Agatha, won by over 100,000 votes, a minister of state post. Pala is a Khasi, the majority tribe in Meghalaya, and Agatha is Garo, and the relationship between the two regions and ethnic groups is, to put it mildly, not particularly charged with bonhomie.

So, as a result, as of now, there are three ministers from the Northeast (if you exclude the prime minister who is elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam), two first-timers from one of the smallest states of the country, not just of the region - Meghalaya has a population of about two million - and a cabinet minister, Bijoy Krishna Handique from Assam. Handique is one of the longest serving MPs from the state and was a minister of state in the earlier Manmohan Singh ministry.

There are a total of 25 MPs from the Northeast region, of which 13 are from the Congress. Noises are being heard in Assam about the lack of representation of the state.

In Delhi's balancing act, at least two interesting figures from the Northeast were left out: one is Thokchom Meiyna, the gentle professor of mathematics from Manipur who has been winning elections back to back for the Congress and P.D. Rai, the first IIT and IIM graduate to make to the Lok Sabha ever.

'PD', as he is known, is an ecologist and management specialist, who would have done well in government, given his experience back home. He was elected from Sikkim on a Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) ticket. Incidentally, the PDF made a clean sweep of all 32 state assembly seats (the state legislature was elected at the same time) and is allied with the Congress. There is quite frankly the need for better representation of the region's ethnic, social and political diversity.

Source: The Imphal Free Press

'Resolve Tipaimukh Dam through joint initiatives'

2009-06-20T09:39:00.001+05:30

Dhaka, June 19: Finance Minister AMA Muhith yesterday urged all to be aware of any movement against the Tipaimukh dam by a certain quarter to gain its political interest.

Addressing the National Tipaimukh Dam Conference 2009 at the seminar hall of the Institution of Engineers Bangladesh in the city, he said public opinions could be taken about implementation of the project.

The finance minister also criticised the past BNP-Jamaat government as it did not protest against the Tipaimukh project though India had completed the detailed studies and design of the project and floated an international tender during their rule.

Earlier on June 16, BNP Secretary General Khandaker Delwar Hossain called upon the countrymen to raise their voices against the government as it is mum about the Indian plan to build Tipaimukh dam.

He said the caretaker government had helped advance Tipaimukh dam and Asian Highway projects, and the present government is now trying to help complete them.

"We had been protesting the construction of Tipaimukh Dam for a long time but at that time we did not get them who are now screaming against the project," said Muhith.

He proposed that the problems with international rivers could be solved through joint initiative of Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal and China.

Speaking at the conference Dr RK Ranjan, an Indian expert and representative of Citizens Concern for Dam and Development in Manipur, said there would be huge losses of fisheries and degradation of environment if the dam is built.

"We will get only 30-40 MW of electricity from the hydroelectric project that would be built by constructing the dam. So why should we put our fish resources and environment at stake for such small amount of electricity," he posed a question.

Dr Ranjan sought the help of the people of Bangladesh to stop the Tipaimukh project.

Communist Party of Bangladesh, General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim said the dam will not only bring environmental catastrophe for Bangladesh and Indian state of Manipur but also destroy the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.

"India would be responsible if the relationship gets cold," he added.

Presided over by Prof Dr ABM Faruk of Dhaka University, the conference was also addressed by Rashed Khan Menon MP, Fazle Hossain Badsha MP, and Country Director of ActionAid Farah Kabir.

Source: Daily Star

'Parents knew about their children's AP journey'

2009-06-20T09:35:00.001+05:30

IMPHAL, June 19: The 25 children "rescued" by Kolkata Police at the Howrah station on Wednesday were going to Andhra Pradesh for education with the consent of their parents and guardians, according to a police report.

On Wednesday (June 17), the children hailing from the remote Kaibi village in Manipur's Senapati district, were found in an Andhra Pradesh-bound train at the station. However, police in Kolkata had said three "pastors" accompanying the kids, failed to produce the required documents.

"According to a report submitted by one of the officers, who went to the village, the parents knew about their children's journey," said a senior police officer on Friday.

"As of now, it appears that there is no foul play like trafficking. But things will be clearer when we quiz the pastors. We have also sent our report to the government," the police officer said.

L S Salony, a member of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), disclosed that the children may come back to Manipur on Saturday. "We have learnt that a Kolkata-based NGO is trying to bring the kids back to Manipur. Maybe, they will return by tomorrow (June 20)," he added.

Source: Times of India

State women still backward: Report

2009-06-20T09:24:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 19: Despite the significant steps being undertaken for the protection of women's rights and promoting their welfare, the status of women in Manipur continues to remain backward, said an analysis of the State Economic Survey Report of the Manipur Government compiled by the State Directorate of Economic and Statistics.

The survey report said the goal of poverty alleviation cannot be achieved without the full and active participation of women who constitute a large section of work force, is a well known fact.

Thus, women empowerment is critical to the process of the development.

So, bringing into the mainstream of development is a major concern of the Government, the report maintained.

In order to empower women and bring them into mainstream, an enabling environment with requisite policies and programmes, institutional mechanisms at various levels and adequate financial resources have been created.

With gradual spread of education and empowerment, the position of women has begun to change, it observed.

Considering that the main cause for this is illiteracy and ignorance, Government has been giving in the campaign drive to educate the women, the Economic and Statistics survey report said.

There is substantial increase in the number of educated women in the State as after 1961 onwards the progress of women's education in Manipur is higher than that of all India level.

From a mere 0.04 female literacy rate in 1901, it rose to 47.60 in 1991.According to census report 2001, the female literacy is 53.70 percent.

The female literacy rate of Manipur in 2001 is 60.50 percent against all-India 53.70 percent.

The survey report also said that women constitute a significant part of the work forces in the state.

Among rural women workers, a majority are employed in agriculture as labourers and cultivators.

Women as agricultural workers generally participate in all operations except ploughing.

They are engaged in transplanting, weeding, applying fertilizers and also harvesting the produce.

In the urban areas, women workers are primarily employed in the unorganized sector such as household industries, petty trades and services, construction works etc.

The main and marginal workers among females constitute 54.82 percent and 45.18 percent of the total female workers respectively.

Out of the total 2,29,137 main female workers, 1,10,940 (48.42 percent) were cultivator, 16,432 (7.17 percent) were agricultural labourers whereas remaining 1,01,765 (44.42 percent) were engaged in other sectors like manufacturing, processing, servicing and repairing other than household industries and other services etc.

Source: The Sangai Express

Tangkhul bodies say no to IRB, Commandos

2009-06-20T09:21:00.002+05:30

Imphal, June 19: The one day public consultative programme to maintain peace and tranquillity in Ukhrul district organised by Tangkhul civil organisations at Rashing hall yesterday has resolved to demand immediate withdrawal of IRB and commandos from Ukhrul.

A joint press release issued by Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Shaklong, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long and Tangkhul Shannao Long asked as to what prompted the Government to deploy IRB and commandos in Ukhrul district when there is allegedly no law and order problem.

The consultative meet demanded revocation of disturbed area status from Naga areas of Manipur and the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act as well.

It resolved to participate and support the vexed Indo-Naga peace process.

The Tangkhul civil organisations also conveyed deep concern over the establishment of designated camps by the State Government harbouring thousands of Kuki armed cadres in Naga areas, particularly at strategic sites and national highways.

After three decades of human rights violation by security forces, peace was finally realised after New Delhi and NSCN (IM) signed ceasefire pact in 1997, it said.

The Tangkhul civil organisations also hailed the Chiang Mai V, 2009 declaration, "Covenant of Reconciliation" signed by NSCN (IM) chairman Isak Chishi Swu, NSCN (K) chairman SS Khaplang and FGN president Brig (retd) Singnya.

Source: The Sangai Express

Another Story:

No commandos for us, says CDSU

Lamka, June 19: Decrying the Cabinet decision to deploy commandos in the four hill districts including Churachandpur, Churachandpur District Stuents' Union today raised their objection against the decision and urged Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh to consider other priorities other than militarization.

In a memorandum to the Chief Minister the student body today said that the district remains comparatively peaceful ever since the signing of SoO with the armed groups based in the district.

Not only was the volatile inter-tribal tension under control, the law and order situation has also improved ever since, it claimed.

"Such hard-earned peace and tranquility will be shattered by the presence of more IRB and Manipur police commandos in the district since they have already lost public faith and have dubious records in valley areas of the State," it added.

Further alleging that rationality and reasoning have lost its meaning wherever commandos are deployed, the union recalled the unfortunate incident in the district where agitated students, when provoked by the police commandos attacked and burnt the police station.

To supplement their claim paper clippings of the two most dominant newspapers in the State were referred to.

Clips of The Sangai Express and Imphal Free Press were appended for references on the memo.

These clippings were to validate that fake encounters, extra-judicial killings, unnecessary harassments of innocent citizens, rampant abuses of the dignity and rights of the citizens and unwarranted arrest had already been the hallmark of the police commandos, said a source.

Giving a professional blow on the cabinet decision bit-by-bit, the union argues that deployment of more IRB and Manipur Police Commandos in the district will instead result in more human rights violations and the contravention of the rule of law.

"To put it in simple terms, don't stained the unstained parts of the State with State sponsored trigger-happy IRB and Police Commandos," said a student leader when asked for his comment on the memo.

Militarization and use of forces are never an answer to the socio-economic, developmental and democratic deficit conditions prevailing in the hill areas of Manipur.

The Government's failure to activate administrative services at the sub-divisional headquarters and defunct police outposts at Parbung, Singngat, Henglep and Thanlon sub divisional headquarters since 1997 due to the lack of infrastructure clearly shows what could have been the priority of the Government in other areas other than militarization, stated the union.

In view of all the facts it has affirmed, the CDSU today appealed on the Chief Minister to review the Cabinet decision, and threatened that the student community in the entire hill district shall resort to any appropriate actions necessary if the Government fails to do so.

Meanwhile, many 1st IRB personnel have express their reservation on the verbal instruction they receive from the officers to open their bank account, as was required by the government, only at UBI main branch in Imphal.

The instruction we receive were not in a written form, unlike the earlier instructions to do so in any nationalized banks with core banking facilities, but an instruction we can not avoid, said a band of the personnel today but appeal for concealing their identities.

If we are to be given only one option, why not in Churachandpur where we are located, instead of Imphal.

The entire exercise will only bestow us an entirely new dilemma.

It will be better to follow the old pattern, and if that is not possible authorities should reflect on our woes and consider any of the two banks located here, they said.

Source: The Sangai Express

Nitish asks Manipur CM to halt attacks on Biharis

2009-06-19T23:21:00.001+05:30

Patna, June 19: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar today asked his Manipur counterpart Okram Ibobi Singh to effectively check attacks on migrant, particularly Bihari labourers, in the state.

Kumar called up Singh this morning to register his "deep concern and anguish" over the recent attacks on labourers from Bihar and West Bengal by militants in Manipur and requested him to bring an end to it, a spokesman at the chief minister's
office here said.

Maintaining that the attacks were detrimental to the unity and integrity of the country, Kumar requested Singh to initiate steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Kumar also directed state's chief secretary RJM Pillai and director general of Police DN Gautam to depute a high-level officer to facilitate return of those Bihari labourers who intended to come back and co-ordinate with their Manipur counterparts measures to check violence against the migrant labourers from the state.

Labourers from Bihar and West Bengal have of late been the target of violence unleashed by separatist elements in Manipur.

Source: Press Trust of India

Dhaka parties spar over Tipaimukh Dam

2009-06-19T23:16:00.002+05:30

Dhaka, June 19: Bangladesh's political parties continue to spar over a river valley project India is planning in its northeastern region as New Delhi awaits a parliamentary team accompanied by experts to visit the project site.

Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith Friday urged "all to be aware" of any movement against the Tipaimukh dam project "by a certain quarter to gain its political interest," Star Online web site said.

Muhith criticised the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for not protesting against the Indian plans although the latter had completed the design and detailed studies and floated an international tender during the BNP-Jamaat rule (2001-06).

Addressing the "National Tipaimukh Dam Conference 2009", the finance minister, among the most experienced ministers in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, said public opinion could have been mobilised earlier.

India is planning to build the dam over the Barak river in Manipur state, upstream of Bangladesh where the river, part of the gigantic Brahmaputra river system, is called Meghna.

The minister joined the debate as opposition parties, environmentalists and NGOs are building up protests that are similar that raged for long over India's dam over the Ganga at Farakka.

The two South Asian neighbours signed a bilateral treaty in 1997 that provides for India releasing more water to the lower riparian neighbour, particularly during the summer months.

The BNP, led by opposition leader and two-term prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, has accused the Hasina government of a "sell-out" and working against the national interest - a common refrain on projects and issues pertaining to India.

BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain last Tuesday asked people to raise their voices against the Hasina government "as it is mum about the Indian plan", the website of the Daily Star newspaper said.

Tipaimukh is linked to the Asian Highway, an United Nations - Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) project that Dhaka is preparing to join, upturning the earlier policy of the Zia government.

Hossain alleged that the Hasina government "is now trying to help (India to) complete them (the projects)".

India has in the last four years "refrained from sharing technical information" with Bangladesh, "triggering public uncertainty and outcry over its possible negative impact on the neighbouring country" (Bangladesh), the website said.

The proposal for a visit by a parliamentary team was made last month by New Delhi and accepted by Dhaka.

While India has not started construction, it floated an international tender in 2005 and opened the bid in 2006.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service

Another Story:

Dhaka, June 19: Many people are trying to reap political gains from the so-called Tipaimukh Dam movement, the finance minister AMA Muhith has alleged.

Speaking at National Tipaimukh Dam Conference 2009 at the auditorium of Institution of Engineers, Banglaesh in the capital on Friday, he proposed a regional forum based on river basin to resolve crisis involving river.

Muhith said three things should be kept in mind while constructing Tipaimukh Dam-– whether biodiversity will be affected, whether the risk of an earthquake will increase because of a big dam and whether the natural flow of Barak river will be affected or not.

He said he would know about these things after the visit of the parliamentary representative committee at Tipaimukh lead by Awami League MP leader Abdur Razzak.

Foreign minister Dipu Moni told the reporters on Friday that a delegation would soon visit India.

At the same time she said India had recently provided Bangladesh with information on the proposed Tipaimukh Dam

Some political parties as well as water resource experts apprehend an environmental disaster in the greater Sylhet region of Bangladesh in the wake of the proposed Tipaimukh Dam

But New Delhi holds that the hydroelectric project would not pose any barrier to the availability of water downstream.

He said the talk of constructing Tipaimukh dam was first raised at the meeting of the Joint River Commission in 1972 and 73.

Later in the meeting of the commission in 2003 and 2005 the opinion of Bangladesh was sought about the plans of India. But the then government did not say anything, he said

"In 2004, we opposed this project in the trans-boundary river convention. But now we observe that many are trying to curry favour in the name of movement.

Muhith proposed an 'executive board on river basin' to monitor the river basins of the region including those of Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal and China.

"They are opposing Tipaimukh from the viewpoint of opposing India. We will have to be aware of them," he said.

"The issue of our right over water flow will supersede our loss in the construction of Tipaimukh Dam," said Workers Party chief Rashed Khan Menon MP, elected from Awami League-led Grand Alliance.

The vast regions of Manipur, Mizoram and Assam will be damaged along with Bangladesh, said general secretary of Bangladesher Communist Party Mujahidul Islam Selim.

"The Indian government will have to bear the consequences if the bilateral ties between the two countries are at stake," he cautioned

"This dam will cause disaster to the agro-based culture of riverine Bangladesh," said Hilal Uddin, chief coordinator of the preparation committee of the convention.

"There are many dangers of a big dam. It drowns human habitation, increases the risks of water-borne diseases and earthquake, causes diseases from gas created from water logging and decreases siltation," he said

Uddin said the natural flows of the rivers Surma, Kushiara and Meghna will also be affected because of the dam.

Source: www.bdnew24.com

Thousands pay homage to martyrs

2009-06-19T23:12:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 18: Thousands of people of different communities including Naga and Kuki, wearing traditional dresses of their respective communities, today paid floral tributes to those who died in the movement for protection of territorial integrity of Manipur of which day has been observed as "The Great June Uprising" and "Integrity Day".

Eighteen people paid with their lives in indiscriminate firing by security personnel in the explosion of public outrage on the issue of Manipur's territorial integrity on June 18, 2001 after the ceasefire between the Centre and the NSCN-IM was extended "without territorial limits".

The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has been observing the day as the "Great June Uprising" with a public meeting held at Kekrpupat where the memorial site of the 18 victims is located while the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) observed the day as "Unity Day" with another public meeting held at THAU ground at Thangmeiband here.

From early morning till evening , a constant stream of people queued up to offer flowers and burn incense sticks at the memorial site of the 18 martyrs at Kekrupat in Imphal braving hot summer sun.

The mercury level raised upto 31 degree celsius at 11.20 am today in Imphal.

Photographs of four other persons who also died in related movement elsewhere were also kept at the memorial site.

Ministers, MLAs, political leaders turned up at the memorial site and participated in offering tributes.

However, they did not attend either of the public meetings.

Congress MP from Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, Thangso Baite and senior most cabinet Minister of the SPF government, Th Debendra led the people in offering the floral tributes.

Works Minister, K Ranjit, IFC and YAS Minister N Biren, MLA and Chairman of Manitron Dr Kh Ratankumar, MLA and Congress Chief Whip Tongbram Mangibabu, CPI MLA N Mangi, Congress MLA and wife of Chief Minister O Ibobi, Landhoni Devi, former Minister Dr M Nara, etc.

were among those who offered flowers at Kekrupat.

Well known film artistes, Shumang Lila artistes, leaders of Film Forum Manipur, other eminent figures in the field of art and culture also took part in paying homage to the martyrs.

Apart from thousands of people belonging to different communities residing in the state who came to pay homage, there were mourners who had come all the way from Bangladesh, Assam and Tripura especially for this day.

Nagas, Kukis, Muslims and other communities in their traditional attires also turned up for the observance and paid homage to the June 18 martyrs.

Hundreds of policemen and Central paramilitary force stayed on alert in the vicinity of Kekrupat and THAU ground where public meetings were held.

All important markets in Imphal city remained closed.

Shops, hotels and other business establishments also remained closed.

Educational institutions were closed without officially declaring holiday.

No passenger vehicles plied.

However, many buses, vans, mini buses, Tata Magic, Jeeps, etc.

were seen transporting people from different parts of valley towards Kekrupat and THAU ground.

Though government offices were open as usual, percentage of attendance was very low.

In the aftermath of extension of ceasefire "without territorial limits" between the Centre and the NSCN-IM in June 2001, Manipur people strongly opposed the move and in the protests, people burnt the offices of all political parties and residences of the Chief Minister and MLAs.

The Manipur Assembly had resolved several times to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and the Central Government had time and again announced that it would not extend the ceasefire beyond Nagaland.

The 18 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the movement were Okram Ramananda from Langathel Mamang Leikai, Laitonjam Rajkumar of Uripok Khoisnam Leikai, Laishram Ongbi Tamphasana of Kwakeithel Moirang Purel, Thokchok Lalit, Yaiskul Janmasthan, Bachaspatimayum Naocha (Atang), Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Nishikanta Yumnam, Khagempalli, Amom Rajen Meetei, Naoremthong Takhellambam Leikai, Kshetrimayum Romeo, Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai, Khoisnam Singhajit, Liwa Road Maibam Leikai, Gurumayum Dutt (Rishi), Kwakeithel Konjeng Leikai, Sagolshem Surchandra (Abungcha), Porompat Thawanthaba Leikai, Thokchom Wilson (Pappu), Nongmeibung bazar, Thoudam Guneshore, Khoijuman Mamang Leikai, Konsam Kameshore, Khurai Konsam Leikai, Kshetrimayum Jiban (Bocha), Khurai Konsam Leikai Heikrumakhong, Mayanglambam Manikanta Awang Sekmai, Thingom Birendro, Chingamakha Irom Leirak and Chabungbam Bharat (Bhagat), Awang Khunou Mamang Leikai.

Source: Hueiyen News Service

JNU to open NE eatery

2009-06-19T22:40:00.001+05:30

New Delhi: N B Meetei, a student of Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) school of social sciences, misses his home in Manipur but he misses the food back home even more. "I am really bored of eating the south and north Indian fare at the hostels and dhabas day in and day out. I want to enjoy food, not just eat for survival,'' he says.

Biting into a samosa at the library canteen, another social sciences student, Ati from Nagaland, can't keep the yearning out of her voice as she says: "My favourite is fish cooked with bamboo shoots, pork and rosep (bitter vegetables cooked with a lot of chillies and bamboo shoot juice). How I wish we got some north-eastern food in the hostel here.''

For Meetei and Ati, and hundreds of other north-eastern students at JNU, a taste of home is soon going to be a reality. Come Monday (June 22), JNU will start dishing out popular and authentic fare from the North-East at an all-new dhaba on the campus.

The outlet is opening next to the 24X7 dhaba near Tapti Hostel, the same place where the Nestle dhaba was located before it was forced out in 2005 following protests. But this is one dhaba which the JNU community is welcoming with open arms.

The dhaba promises not to burn a hole in any pocket while serving up culinary favourites from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura, a variety rarely found in Delhi. For those looking for that something else, there would be some regular Chinese and continental dishes as well.

Chief chef Towrson Yl is from Manipur and has worked with a pizza chain and an Italian restaurant in the past. "To start with, we will have the cuisines from Manipur, Nagaland and Assam as well as Chinese. This will be a home away from home and we will dish out favourites like singju, akhoni, khajing bora, eromba and tenga.'' For those who want to sip the evening away, there will be a choice of seven kinds of tea, starting at Rs 2. Most of the dishes range between Rs 5 and Rs 30, with the highest price for an item being Rs 65.

Planned in 2007, the dhaba took two years to take shape. "It's nice to see that this dhaba has been accepted with such enthusiasm by the student community. It speaks highly of JNU's culture,'' said vice-chancellor B B Bhattacharya, who belongs to Assam.

So far, students from the North-East scoured the stalls of Dilli Haat and Munirka for a taste of home-cooked food. With the new dhaba promising much only three days away, Manipuri student Asin said: "Hope it serves us something like what we have back home. There are a lot of people from the North-East here and it would definitely do well.''

Bony Roy from Assam hoped the dhaba would also help break a lot of myths about the cuisine of her region. "There are a lot of misconceptions about our cuisine and this will definitely help students understand our culinary culture,'' said Roy.

The new dhaba is being eagerly awaited by others as well. Said Bharat Kumar of Tapti Hostel: "We admire the students from the North-East for their simplicity, honesty and hardworking nature. Many of us may never get an opportunity to go to that part of the country. And this dhaba might to an extent help us appreciate their food.''

For Imsutoshi Longkumar from Nagaland, a huge struggle is finally over. "It has been a fight for us to adapt to a different taste. It now ends at the dhaba,'' said the student from School of International Studies.

Source: Times of India

Manipuri girl alleges molestation by teacher

2009-06-19T10:37:00.001+05:30

New Delhi, June 18: An 18-year-old Delhi University student was allegedly molested by her teacher at a tuition center in Mukherjee Nagar area of north-west Delhi on Thursday (June 18) afternoon. The accused has been arrested following a complaint from the girl. The victim is a first-year undergraduate student of a North Campus college and belongs to Manipur.

Ironically, she used to go to the tuition centre in Vijay Nagar area to learn Hindi. Her efforts to improve her communication skills in the language that the city speaks brought her face to face with a harsh reality: she was allegedly sexually harassed by Yogesh Kumar Arora (32), who used to give her the lessons in Hindi.

Police said the student had joined the coaching institute on June 10 this year. "Yogesh, one of the teachers at the institute, started making sexual advances towards her right from the beginning. This culminated in the incident on Thursday which finally drove her to the police,'' said a senior police officer.

"The girl initially kept quiet but when Yogesh persisted, she protested and warned him, but he threatened her. Finally, he forced himself on the girl but she managed to raise an alarm and run away,'' added the officer.

On Thursday evening, the victim narrated the incident to her brother after which she lodged a complaint with the police along with the north-east student council members at Mukherjee Nagar police station, said N S Bundela, DCP (northwest). "We then arrested him,'' he said.

The president of the city's NE helpline, Lansinglu Rongmei, said, "We came to know about the complaint from the victim's brother after which we approached the police.'' A case under section 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman) has been registered. The victim has been living in the city for the past one year along with her brother.

This year there have already been 200 cases of molestation in the Capital. Last year, there had been strong protests from north-east organisations after a spate of molestation incidents, including several cases involving those appearing for the Delhi Police exams.

Source: Times of India

Police to quiz parents of rescued Manipuri children

2009-06-19T10:34:00.001+05:30

IMPHAL, June 18: Police set about quizzing the parents and guardians of the 25 children "rescued" by police in Kolkata on Wednesday (June 17) to know whether they knew about the kids' journey and the escorts.

Cops in West Bengal found the kids from Senapati district in an Andhra Pradesh-bound train at the Howarh station on Wednesday morning after the three "pastors", including a man called A Athikho, accompanying the children, failed to produce relevant papers.

"Soon after we knew it from West Bengal cops, I sent the sub-divisional police officer to Kaibi village in Senapati district from which the children hail," said a senior police officer in Senapati district on Thursday.

"He will find out whether their parents and guardians consented to their children's journey to Andhra Pradesh with the three persons. We will act only after we get a report from him," he added.

L S Salony, a member of the district's Child Welfare Committee (CWC), said, "We are in constant touch with some Kolkata-based NGOs and trying to verify the credentials of these pastors'. We have been told that the kids were supposed to have been taken to a children's home in Andhra Pradesh. We didn't know of such plans. If required, we'll send a team to Kolkata and bring the kids back," he said. "The Child Line Imphal and officials of Manipur social welfare department are also in touch with West Bengal police and other agencies," he added.

Source: Times of India

DU’s friendly for NE students, Delhi’s not

2009-06-19T10:28:00.002+05:30

New Delhi: Hopes, dreams, fears, worry and anxiety are common to all the applicants who queue up outside the colleges in the Delhi University. If in doubt, head to help desk

But while for others, the concerns end after securing a seat, for some it is just the beginning. The latter are the students from the NorthEast. “Will the city, students and teachers accept us. Will be one of them?” – is a question that bothers them all along. A few such students shared their experiences with us and told us that the problem existed more outside the gates of the university, than inside. “It’s the city that’s hostile to us, not the university,” they echo.

A stranger in the city?
The one question that troubles anyone who sets foot in the city for the first time is – Are DU students and teachers, NorthEast friendly? “Most of the applicants hear about certain racist attacks from their friends, cousins, neighbours, etc, much before they arrive. We try to show them the real picture by sharing our experiences with them,” says Lamtinthang Haokip, who belongs to Manipur.
He adds, “In reality, the university is quite friendly towards us.” Says Kaipou, another student, “I too had heard a lot of stories on how the students are ill-treated here, but soon I made friends with people from other states.” Agrees Chong, a final year student from Indraprastha College, “Initially, I was apprehensive about coming to Delhi, but once I arrived, I realised the students were friendly and nice.” Choga Kingkangmai, who graduated from Satyawati College, also changed his opinion about the University when he started interacting with fellow students. “They were very nice and always eager to help,” he says, adding, “The university is safe, it’s the outsiders one needs to be wary of.”
Lien, a lecturer of Economics at Shyamlal College says, “I did my graduation and post graduation from here and now I’m teaching at the same campus. I have had a good experience both with fellow students and colleagues. It’s the people on the roads who make you feel uncomfortable.” Jason Meitei, a second year student at DU, says, “It’s the Delhiites, outside the university, who call us names, look down upon us and treat us like aliens.”
Keep the fears at bay
The help desks set up by the students from the NorthEast clear the doubts that many students and parents have regarding the university and the city. “Initially, I was a little apprehensive in leaving my daughter all by herself,” says Prem who is from Manipur. Adds his daughter, Shylin Chanu, “We spoke to the volunteers at the desk and that helped us relax.”
Khuren, another applicant says, “I too had heard a lot of stories about ill treatment meted out to the residents from Northeast, but now that I’ve spoken to the seniors I’m looking forward to be a part of DU.” Adds Sathui from Manipur, “And then there is always the option of approaching the seniors or teachers in case of any problem.”

Life in a metro...
Says Lamtinthang, “Our lifestyle is different from that of the Delhiities and if one of them was to come and stay in Manipur, they too would have to make adjustments. So, one should be willing to do so and also interact with not just people from their own state, but everybody else too.” He adds, “However, girls need to be extremely careful.”

What’s in a name?
Students from the Northeast are often referred to as Chinkys. “When we walk down the road, people in Delhi call us Chinky, Nepali, Bahadur, etc,” says Livingson, a student of Economics at Ramjas College. He adds, “I have a lot of friends from Bihar and Haryana, but we don’t mock at them by calling them Biharis or Jats. Also, I don’t have a problem in being called a Chinky, provided it is not done with the intention to put us down.” Chips in Kaipou, “Some people call us Chinkys to insult us, that’s when I get offended. We too have nicknames for each other, but we utter them with the right intention.”

Source: Times of India

Agatha to raise AFSPA issue in Delhi

2009-06-19T10:17:00.002+05:30

Imphal, June 17: Agatha Sangma, Union minister of states for Rural Development Wednesday assured the people of Manipur she would approach the Union Home minister of India for repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, AFSPA, 1958 from the state. She also asserted she would bring the issue on the floor of the Parliament.

On a two-day visit to the state for the closing ceremony of the 11th foundation day of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) at the GM Hall in Imphal, the youngest union minister in the recently formed union ministry of India, stated she represented the whole of North East and not just Meghalaya and she would approach the Union Home Minister of India and the Parliament to repeal the AFSPA, 1958 from the state.

Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, she also assured the people of Manipur the NCP would fight for the repeal of the draconian law.

Confirming she represented the whole North East, the young minister asserted the region can draw a lot of benefit for the upliftment of the poor rural people if the schemes and grants of the Rural Development ministry is taken up and implemented sincerely.

She observed that the schemes and grants given by the Government of India were not taken up and implemented in earnest by the governments of the north-eastern states and the attitude of the governments were laid-back, seeming to lack seriousness.

She also stated that development will bring solution to the insurgency problem in the north east.

Later, speaking to the media, the union minister said that she and her party, NCP, supported the protest of Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been fasting unto death demanding the removal of the AFSPA. Doukhomang Khongsai, general secretary of NCP Manipur, stated that with three NCP ministers in the union government – Praful Patel (Civil Aviation), Sharad Pawar (Agriculture) and Agatha Sangma (Rural Development) – progress and development can be expected in Manipur within a short time.

The young daughter of PA Sangma, former MP and Lok Sabha speaker, who arrived in the state at about 9:15 a.m. was received was received at Tulihal airport by Radhabinod Koijam, president of NCP and former chief minister of Manipur, Md. Alauddin, minister of Backward Classes, Manipur and other high level officials.

After her arrival, the young MP from Tura in Meghalaya visited the “Iron Lady” Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been fasting unto death demanding the revocation of the draconian act AFSPA 1958, at the security ward of the Jawaharlal Nehru (JN) Hospital, Porompat in Imphal East district, Wednesday and assured her support for the repeal of the draconian law from the state of Manipur.

During her short visit, the MoS told Sharmila that she wanted to personally see how she (Sharmila) was, and encourage her to be strong. She assured Sharmila that she would help her in every way she can to repeal AFSPA from Manipur and other North-East states. The MOS, RD, India also met the Governor of Manipur, Chief Minister of Manipur, the Rural Development Minister and the Health Minister, Manipur later in the evening.

Source: Newmai News Network

Another Story:
The new Union minister of state for rural development, Agatha Sangma, today called on governments in the region to play a “proactive role” in implementing schemes in the Northeast sponsored by the Centre.

Sangma arrived here this morning to attend 11th Foundation Day of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) organised by the state unit of the party at the G.M. Hall here. This is her first visit to Manipur after becoming a minister.

“My mission is to build the economy of the region without affecting cultural heritage. I will play the agent of monitoring rural development schemes. The state governments and implementing agencies should extend their help,” Sangma said.

Attributing the problem of insurgency in the region to a lack of development, the minister said her next priority would be to channelise the energies of the youths towards development activities.

Sangma said she would also pay attention to capacity building through proper implementation of centrally sponsored schemes. “I will try to visit every nook and corner of the Northeast to ensure that the rural development schemes are implemented. Implementing agencies would be made accountable,” she said.

Before addressing the party function, Sangma visited Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital to meet human rights crusader Irom Sharmila, who is in judicial custody. “I wanted to meet such a courageous lady and show solidarity with her,” Sangma said.

During her interaction with Sharmila, Agatha assured her that the issue of repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act would be raised in Parliament.

Later this afternoon she met Governor Gurbachan Jagat and chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

Source: The Telegraph

Workers from Bihar, Bengal flee Manipur

2009-06-17T23:58:00.001+05:30

Guwahati, June 17: With at least 20 migrant workers killed in a series of violent attacks in and around Imphal during the past three months, migrant labourers from Bihar and West Bengal are living in fear in Manipur and some of them have started fleeing the strife-torn state.

While three migrant workers were gunned down near the Central Agricultural University on the outskirts of Imphal last Thursday, two Bihari labourers were killed on June 2 — one each in Thoubal and Imphal (East) district. Those killed last week were construction workers engaged by a contractor, while those killed earlier this month included a barber and a hawker.

A cobbler, hailing from Bihar, who was attacked at Lamphel in Imphal by an unidentified person on Tuesday evening, has been admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Science in the state capital.

On May 12, nine Hindi-speaking migrant workers were killed inside the Keibul Lamjao National Park in Bishnupur district, about 50 km from Imphal. Twelve migrant vendors were blindfolded and taken by a group of armed militants into the Park, where they were fired upon. Three of the migrants had a miraculous escape and reported at the nearest police station the next day, following which the police recovered nine bodies from the Park.

In recent months, Manipur has witnessed a series of attacks on Bihari and Bengali migrants — mostly labourers, vendors and daily-wage earners. Manipur IGP (Law and Order) Karnajit Singh said the situation was under control with no fresh instance of violence being reported over the past five days.

“The Government has opened a couple of relief camps for migrants living in vulnerable areas to take shelter,” he said. He admitted that some of the migrants have fled following the recent incidents.
“We have arranged security for those who want to go back to their respective states. A few of them have already left,” Singh told The Indian Express over telephone from Imphal on Wednesday.

Source: Indian Express

Loktak water festival to promote tourism

2009-06-17T23:54:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 17: Loktak Lake, which has the only floating wildlife sanctuaries in the world is a gift of nature to the people of Manipur.

A three-day Loktak water festival was organised here recently to project and promote Loktak as a major tourist destination. The theme of the festival was ‘Save Loktak, Save Our Life’.

This internationally important and biologically-rich lake besides being a unique wintering ground of various migratory waterfowls was the permanent home of many resident water birds.

Organised by Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in association with Loktak Lake Fishermen Welfare Society at Thanga Chinglak Bazar, it was a major draw for people of Manipur.

Several indigenous water sports like, boat race, swimming, fish-netting, plantation of indigenous Phumdi, fishing Dance were showcased to attract tourists.

In April, the security forces of the State had carried out a massive `Operation Summer Storm’ to flush out militants from the Lake area.

With the festival, the people of the State are doing their best to keep the biggest fresh-water lake in the Northeast healthy and attractive.

“The festival has been organised to save Loktak and beautify the lake. The festival is a joyous event for the people as well as for the Loktak Lake. This initiative is really good,” said S. Kumar Ajit, a local visitor.

“We request the militants not to stay in the Loktak area. We appeal that they should not stall any developmental work taken by the Government. Loktak is not only for our generation but it is for generations to come. So we all need to protect this beautiful lake,” said Sanjit, another local resident.

“Arrival of tourists to watch the Loktak Lake will definitely benefit all of us. Their presence will allow us to sell our fish and ensure a good livelihood for our families,” said Kumajari, a fisher woman in Loktak.

Home to many exotic species of plants and animals like the Dancing Deer, Loktak serves as means of livelihood for the fisherman who reside in the surrounding areas and on Phumdis or floating islands.

It is also a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply in the state.

The festival is meant to serve as catalyst to give a fillip to tourism and help in boosting the economy of the state as well.

Source: Asia News International

Migrant attacked again in Manipur

2009-06-17T23:47:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 16: Another non-Manipuri was attacked in Imphal West district last night, as migrant labourers continued to flee the state fearing more violence.

Police said an unidentified person hit Prabhu Prasad, a cobbler from Bihar, on his forehead in Lamphel. He was treated at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences.

Prasad said the man hit him on the face with a stone while he was returning from work to his rented house in Lamphel, on the outskirts of Imphal town, around 7pm. “He attacked me suddenly and ran away without saying anything.”

After the incident, the police brought four migrants staying in Lamphel, including the injured, to the Kalibari relief camp opened by the government for migrants here around 11pm. The other camp is at the local dharamshala.

The camps were opened after the attack on six migrants at the Central Agricultural University at Eroisemba in Imphal West on June 11 night. Two gunmen had called out six labourers, all from West Bengal, from their hut on the university campus where they were engaged as construction workers. The gunmen lined them up on the football field on the campus and fired at them. Four labourers were killed while two escaped.

The attack triggered an exodus of Bengali migrants from Manipur. So far 63 of them have left the dharamshala for their homes. Thirty-two of them left this morning, those still lodged there said.

The 48 Bengali migrants who are still staying there have requested the state government for money to return home. “We want to go home but we do not have any money. We want the government to give us the money,” Kali Bagani, a migrant, said. A source said the district administration would place the proposal of funding the migrants’ trip back home before the state home department.

Five migrants from Silchar left the Kalibari relief camp this morning for their homes. Only 36 migrants now remain there.

Those at the camps complained of government apathy. The Imphal West district administration sent a medical team to the two relief camps today to examine the migrants lodged there. The team provided free medicines to them.

So far, 22 migrants have been killed in the state this year.

Source: The Telegraph

UCM spells out June 18 preparation

2009-06-17T23:44:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 16: As in previous years, decks have been cleared for the observance of the Great June Uprising and to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the sake of safeguarding territorial integrity of Manipur at the Kekrupat Memorial complex on June 18 .

In all 18 persons lost their lives in the spontaneous public uprising on June 18, 2001 against the extension of the ceasefire without territorial limits signed between the Government of India and Naga rebel group NSCN (I-M).

United Committee Manipur (UCM) which came into being to spearhead the public movement has made necessary preparation for organising the 8th anniversary of the June 18, 2001 Uprising at Kekrupat where the mortal remains of the martyrs have been laid to rest on coming Thursday.

Talking to mediapersons at Kekrupat Memorial complex, president of UCM and convenor of The Great June Uprising Observation Committee Yumnamcha Dilipkumar informed that as in previous years the State Government has given its permission to organise the commemorative event and necessary arrangements have been made for the success of the observance this year as well.

In all 11 sub-committees have been set up to assist the Observation Committee and in all 1145 vehicles including trucks, buses, jeeps, taxies and autorickshaws would be pressed into service for the transportation of the people from different parts of the State who would like to come and pay their homage to the martyrs, Dilipkumar disclosed.

Besides facilitating offering of floral tributes to the martyrs at their memorial and holding a public meeting at the complex, a blood donation camp would also be organised at the nearby MMTA complex to mark the occasion, Dilipkumar informed, adding that family members of the martyrs have already been prevailed upon to take part in the observance function where proper places would be provided to them at the dais and presented with gifts and mementos.

UCM president further informed that people from as well as Bangladesh, Barak and Brahmaputra valley of Assam and Moreh and Jiribam of Manipur are also expected to take part in the observance.

He also appealed to all the people to suspend their normal activities for the day and come to participate in the observance function.

The developmental works being taken up at Keikrupat Memorial complex are being executed under various Government Departments, he added.

Meanwhile, Senior SP of Imphal West District L Kailun in a statement has informed that traffic diversion and parking arrangement would be regulated on June 18 from 5 am to 5 pm.

Source: The Sangai Express

Bomb blast against 'liquor sale'

2009-06-17T23:36:00.001+05:30

IMPHAL, June 16: Two persons, including a woman were seriously injured in a bomb blast on Tuesday at the main entrance of 2 Manipur Rifles here.

The remote-controlled bomb, fitted in a scooter, was left near the canteen where liquor was being freely sold.

Manipur is a dry State and women’s and various social organisations have been striving for total prohibition.

The outlawed underground organisation, the Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council), has claimed responsibility for the blast. It said that security forces were smuggling in Indian Made Foreign Liquor for sale with impunity.

“This blast is merely a warning and if the sale is not stopped there will be more attacks,” it said. Police rushed to the canteen after the blast and confiscated hundreds of liquor bottles.

Source: The Hindu

Swine Flu: NE bans import of pig

2009-06-16T23:34:00.001+05:30

Agartala, June 16: Authorities in the northeastern region have stepped up precautionary measures against the spread of swine flu, besides banning import of pigs and pork products from adjoining countries, officials said on Tuesday.

A health official said no case of influenza A(H1N1) infection had been reported in Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura. However, these states have banned import of pigs and pork products. The northeastern states share unfenced borders with Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan and China.

"We are on a maximum alert with our rapid action teams keeping a strict vigil along the international border with Myanmar and Bangladesh and also boundaries with other northeastern states," said C Sangnghina, director of Mizoram's animal husbandry and veterinary department.

"We are holding regular review meetings and collecting reports from deputy commissioners on the latest situation," he added.

Sale of pork in Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur has already come down after swine flu cases were reported in the country. Pigs are imported from Myanmar with pork being a favoured delicacy of Mizos.

The state governments of Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Manipur have launched a massive awareness campaign about swine flu as a substantial number of people in the region rear pigs and consume pork, a possible source of the deadly disease.

"The Manipur government has sounded an alert and has taken certain steps to prevent the entry of animals through international border with Myanmar," said Thoiba Jiban Singh, director of Veterinary and animal husbandry department.

Avoid going abroad, govt tells young Indians

"We are following the standard guidelines in our seven government-run pig breeding farms in Tripura and asked the private farms to follow the same," said a senior official of the Tripura animal resources development department.

The Meghalaya government has also issued a set of directives to pig breeders.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service

Swine Flu: India, Burma step up measures near border

2009-06-16T23:22:00.002+05:30

New Delhi, June 16: Precautionary measures against the Swine Flu virus has been stepped up by authorities in India and Burma along their international boundary, following the positive cases of the disease, which have been detected in India.

An official from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department in Tamu Township of Sagaing Division in northwestern Burma, bordering India’s Manipur State, on Tuesday said, his department and the Health Department had increased vigilance on the Indo-Burma border check gate No (2), after the H1N1/A virus was detected in India.

“We put up posters that warned people not to import pigs near border check gate (2)…the Health Department also checked passersby, who went in and out from both countries,” an official from Tamu, which shares the border with Moreh in India, told Mizzima.

He said, “We launched a programme to educate the people, distributed pamphlets and checked pig farms and compiled the number of pigs.”

However, he assured that there were no reports of H1N1/A virus in Tamu and other parts of Burma.

The total number of swine flu cases in India has gone up to 30, including fresh cases reported from Jalandhar and Hyderabad on Monday.

The Indian Health Ministry has also geared up its machinery to tackle the spread of the virus in the country.

Speaking to Mizzima, a resident of Moreh town on Tuesday said, Manipur State had also banned importing pigs from Burma and the consumption of pork as well. As a result, the sale of pork has gone down.

“There is no more business in pigs in the state. The sales rate of pork has also dropped,” the resident said. “At present, the price [of pork] dropped from Indian Rupees 120 to 100.”

However, another resident of Moreh said, despite the warnings, some people were still going for pork.

Another northeastern state, Mizoram, which shares its border with Chin state in western Burma, has also put out an alert regarding swine flu and taken precautionary measures along the border.

“We have strengthened our animal check gate lists all along the border and the proper checking of animals coming from across the border is being taken up,” Dr. C. Sangnghina told Mizzima on Tuesday.

Dr. C. Sangnghina said the authorities could not stop the import of pigs as there was no formal importing of pigs from Burma, but trafficking of animals illegally still continues.

“Frankly speaking, we cannot stop them because the trafficking is done by some businessmen undercover. We cannot run after them all the time,” he said.

However, he added that Mizoram state, had not yet heard of any news on the outbreak of any suspected cases of swine flu in Burma.

“So far, even along the border of Myanmar [Burma], we have not encountered any such doubt,” he added.

Till date, there have been no reports of cases of swine flu virus in northeast India, including Mizoram state.

Source: www.mizzima.com

Bangladesh team to check Tipaimukh dam

2009-06-16T23:16:00.001+05:30

DHAKA, June 16: A Bangladesh parliamentary team will soon visit the site of a controversial hydro-electric dam India plans to build in its northeastern Manipur state that opposition parties and environmental experts say will affect a river system shared by the two countries.

India has approved plans for a 1,500 megawatt project at Tipaimukh on the Barak River which flows from the northeast into Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Experts warn that the dam could cause two Bangladeshi rivers -- the Surma and Kushiara in northeastern Sylhet -- to dry up.

"It will be another Farakka and cause desertification in eastern Bangladesh," said Badiul Alam Khokan, a leader of the Sylhet Division Development Action Council (SDDAC).

India commissioned the Farakka Barrage in 1974 on the Ganges river along Bangladesh's northern border to divert water to the river Hoogly to keep the Kolkata port navigable.

As a result, Bangladesh faced severe water shortages during winter until a 30-year agreement was signed in 1996 to share the flow.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has urged people to join protests against the "killer dam" and to raise the issue in regional and international forums.

Source: Reuters

Suranjoy: Football's loss is boxing's gain

2009-06-16T23:12:00.000+05:30

New Delhi, June 16: Suranjoy Singh could have gone the Rennedy Singh way but football's loss turned out to be boxing's gain as the Manipuri pugilist went on to end India's 15-year wait for a gold medal at the Asian Championships.

The 22-year-old wanted to make it big as a footballer like his famous state-mate but his elder brother Suranjit - a former boxer himself - motivated him to take up boxing after a frustrating wait to make it to national level football.

The transition, however, was not easy as it was initially unacceptable to his family."I was into football and seriously thought of a career in it because the game is huge in Manipur but not getting a national break frustrated me," Suranjoy told PTI.

"My brother introduced me to boxing at that point and it was he who made me realise that success in an individual sport would fetch me a lot more recognition and satisfaction. After giving it a thought, I realised that he was right because I would have been probably lost in a team sport like football," the diminutive fly weight (51kg) boxer added.

The Navy man said once he made up his mind to take up boxing, he found it hard to convince his parents.

Source: Press Trust of India

Bomb blast injures two in Manipur

2009-06-16T23:03:00.001+05:30

Imphal, June 16: A man and a woman were injured when a powerful bomb planted inside a two-wheeler exploded in Imphal, Manipur on Tuesday.

Reportedly, it went off in front of the II Manipur Rifles Battalion office around 9.30 in the morning.

"I heard the loud sound of explosion and found that there was a bomb blast. One woman receive minor injurious. She is now hospitalised. Investigation has begun, however at the moment we cannot identify the culprit behind the blast," said L. Chandramani Singh, a police inspector, Imphal.

Eyewitnesses said that the magnitude of the blast was so great that the scooter inside which the bomb is believed to be planted was dismantled into pieces.

Both the injured were rushed to the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital where they are undergoing treatment.

Further, the splinters tore an iron gate located around 100 yards from the blast site.

Following the incident, the security personnel in the state were put on high alert while the general public around the area were being frisked thoroughly as a precautionary measure.

So far, no militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the explosion.

Source: Asian News International

Asian Boxing Championships

2009-06-13T22:58:00.000+05:30

Suranjoy ends India's 15-year gold drought in Asian boxing

Zhuhai (China), June 13: Manipur's Suranjoy Singh gave India its first Asian Championship gold in 15 years while Thokchom Nanao Singh and Jai Bhagwan settled for silver medals as the country's boxers rounded off a 27-year-best performance in the elite event here today.

India ended their campaign with a gold, two silver and four bronze medals, which went to Jitender Kumar (54kg) Vijender Singh (75kg), Dinesh Kumar (81kg) and Paramjit Samota (+91kg). The team was placed third in the overall standings behind hosts China and Uzbekistan.

The performance this time is a marked improvement from 1982 championships held in Seoul where the country's boxers notched up two gold, an equal number of silver and a bronze medal.

The last gold medal for India in the Asian Championship came in the 1994 edition in Tehran where Rajkumar Sangwan finished on top in the super heavy weight category.

And today, it was a fly weight (51kg) boxer who broke the 15-year jinx. Suranjoy, a junior World Championship bronze medallist in 2004, beat Li Chao of China 9-8 in a thrilling encounter.

"It was certainly not one of my best performances because my opponent came very close to upstaging me but I am thrilled to win India's first gold medal here in 15 years," an elated Suranjoy said.

Another Manipuri, Nanao (48 kgs) settled for a silver losing 8-9 in a cliffhanger finaL to Pongprayoon Keaw of Thailand.

Nanao was leading after winning the first round 3-2 and was tied 6-6 at the end of the second round. He was leading 8-7 in the third round with less than ninety seconds from the finish but the Thai boxer came back strong to win 9-8.

Conclave on Armed Conflict in NE

2009-06-13T22:52:00.002+05:30

Women groups seek dialogue to end northeast’s insurgencies

New Delhi, June 13: Several women’s groups working in the northeast Saturday called upon the educated women in the region to come together and pressurize the government into “sincere dialogue” with the insurgent groups to end recurring armed conflicts.

Several lawyers, academicians, social activists as well as teachers from the northeastern states met at a conclave Northeast India Women Initiative for Peace in the national capital. The event was organised by the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network (MWGSN).

“The reason we are talking among ourselves is to reiterate that in 50-odd years of armed conflicts in the region, the role of women has always been sidelined. But we can participate and push for a change. Many women groups are working on same issues but separately. Here we have come together to share our experiences and ideas,” Binalakshmi Nepram, MWGSN founder, told IANS on the sidelines of the conclave.

“Most of us are based in Delhi and from good educated backgrounds. But we need to think: are we really doing much to change things back home? There is a need for the state and non-state parties in armed conflict to enter into a sincere dialogue,” Nepram said, adding that the conclave was the first of many more to come.

Lianboi Vaiphei, political science lecturer at Delhi University’s I.P. College for Women, pointed out that it was a myth that women from the northeast were more liberated than in other parts of the country.

“True woman empowerment is when a woman becomes a part of decision making and not when she works or earns. Even though the women electorate is greater than the male electorate in these states, the representation of women in elections is highly negligible,” Vaiphei said.

Anuradha Chenoy from the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, who is also a Unesco advisor, said: “In 99 percent of the world’s wars the decision to wage them has been taken by men. Women have only supported men’s wars. Women are used by the state and non-state actors in different ways during conflict and in the practice of militarism without being conscious of it.”

“Women in the region need to understand the political economy of the militarism, to look at measures to bring peace and justice to the region,” she said.

Sreekala, executive director of the North East Network, said that often “the government’s callous attitude and defensive stand” on the armed conflict in the region hampers implementation of laws.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service

Tipaimukh Dam

2009-06-13T22:43:00.002+05:30

BNP seeks international censure on Tipaimukh dam

Dhaka, June 13: BNP is urging the international community to speak out against India's construction of the Tipaimukh dam, saying it is a 'death trap' for Bangladesh.

The opposition party also urged the government once more to protest in strongest possible terms against the dam to the Indian government.

"The Tipaimukh dam is a death trap for the people of Bangladesh. We appeal to the international community to ask India stop construction," BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain told a press conference on Saturday.

"The Awami League government must protest against the move immediately, or BNP along with the people will be forced to take whatever action is necessary to stop it," said Delwar.

Former water resources minister and BNP vice president Hafizuddin Ahmed, in a written statement, said the government must act instead of playing the 'blame game'.

He said all parties except the ruling Awami League had protested against the move.

Party chief Khaleda Zia had been protesting against the issue from the very beginning, said Hafiz, who was at one time ousted by Khaleda from the party as a 'reformist'.

"The BNP government during its first term protested to the Indian government against the dam twice on April 16 and May 18 in 1992," he said.

The former minister ruled out the statement by AL spokesperson Syed Ashraful Islam that discussion with India about the Tipaimukh dam had begun during a previous BNP administration.

"This is not true, it is a politically motivated statement," said Hafiz.

He said India conceived the Tipaimukh dam over the cross-boundary river Barak in the state of Manipur before the 1970's.

"After the formation of the Bangladesh-India Joint River Commission, the two countries discussed the issue in its first (June 25 and 26, 1972), seventh (February 28-March 2, 1974), eighth (June 6-12, 1974), tenth (August 29-september 2, 1974) and thirteenth (June 19-21, 1975) during none of which did the Awami League government oppose the project," the BNP leader said.

Hafiz said the fourteenth meeting of the commission (January 20-24, 1978) decided that an expert committee of Bangladesh and India would present a scrutiny report on the prposed dam.

"But the expert committee did not hold any meeting."

He said after 1975, successive governments of Bangladesh opposed the proposed dam and Fulertal barrage (some 30 kms from Tipaimukh dam), considering probable harm to the country.

"In 1988, the Bangladesh government requested the Indian government to stop withdrawing water from the Barak river and suppressing information on the project."

"But the Indian government did not reply," he said.

The former minister said Bangladesh sent a letter to India opposing the project on August 11, 2003 (during BNP's term) but again no response came from the Indian government.

India in the 35th and 36th meetings of the joint river commission assured that they would discuss with Bangladesh whether to withdraw water by constructing any structure on the river Barak.

"But there was no meeting of the commission in the last four years."

Hafiz said the construction of the dam would pose a serious threat to the environment and public life.

The construction of the dam is an obvious breach of the 9th article of the Farakka accord signed in 1966 and against international law, he said.

He asked the government to solve the problem and stop playing the "blame game".

Delwar said: "Awami League always remained quiet on the question of the dam as they act in the interests of India."

Saturday's press conference at the National Press Club was the first joint public appearance of Delwar and Hafiz since the 1/11 changeover in 2007.

Source: www. bdnews24.com

Another Story:

DHAKA, June 13: Bangladesh said on Saturday it would give clearance for India to build a hydro-electric dam only if it received assurances the project would not affect the flow of a river system shared by the two countries.

India has approved a plan for a 1,500 megawatt project at Tipaimukh on the Barak River which flows into Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Experts say that if the dam were built, two Bangladeshi rivers downstream, the Surma and the Kushiara, would dry up.

Tipaimukh is in India's Manipur, northeast of Bangladesh.

"We will take up the issue diplomatically to see that the dam would not hinder the natural flow of the river," Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni told reporters.

Politicians and experts have urged the Bangladeshi government to ask India not to go ahead with the project.

Leaders of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party at a news conference on Saturday asked the government to protest against the project in strongest possible terms.

The Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty told reporters the planned Tipaimukh Dam would not block the flow of the river since water used to drive the generator would be released after use.

Bangladeshi experts say such dams create dual problems: disrupting the flow in winter and causing floods downstream by releasing extra water during the monsoon.

Source: Reuters

96th Indian Science Congress

2009-01-06T00:00:00.001+05:30

PM Inaugurates Indian Science Congress

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at the 96th Indian Science Congress in Shillong, Meghalaya:

“I am truly delighted that this year the Indian Science Congress is meeting here in Shillong. The North Eastern Hill University has emerged as one of our premier central universities. It has become an important centre of excellence in this part of our country. I commend the organizers of the Congress for choosing NEHU for this year’s Science Congress.

This North-eastern region of our country has a wealth of human and natural resources that can contribute immensely to the overall social, economic, cultural and technological development of India. It is the home of many valuable plants like Citrus and animals like the Yak and Mithun. The rice varieties from this region have contributed valuable genes that offer resistance to pests and diseases. The challenge lies in using modern science and technology to convert these biological endowments into concrete economic benefits for this region and for the country as a whole.

For me Shillong is as much an adopted home as Guwahati and this entire region. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to represent the people of Assam and the North-East in Parliament since 1991. I have always been over-whelmed by the warmth and grace of the affection and hospitality I have received from the people of the North-East. As I have often said, for our sub-continent this is the region from where the sun first rises. I am sure that our developmental initiatives will ensure that the sun will rise and shine forever on the North-East region.

The Indian science congress movement has been closely linked to our freedom struggle and our national movement for freedom. Our fight for political freedom was also our battle for development and for modernization of our economy, our society and our polity. The spread of science and of scientific temper, and the educational development of our people, was integral to our struggle for political and economic emancipation. Each one of you is not just engaged in teaching and research in the respective scientific disciplines, you are engaged in the modernization and development of a traditional society and culture as such your work is of immense societal importance and I salute each one of you for your contribution.

Our civilization was built on the foundations of a knowledge based society. But for centuries such knowledge remained the preserve of a few. Democratic India has widened the base of this knowledge pyramid and raised its apex. The challenge before us is to ensure that both processes continue. And that the light of modern education touches all, and at the same time the pursuit of excellence is encouraged and cherished.

I am therefore delighted that the theme for this congress is “Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research”. The theme of the Congress reflects the priority of our Government.

Science education is a fundamental requirement for any modern nation to meet the challenges and avail of the opportunities of our modern scientific and technologic age. Our Government has placed the highest emphasis on making a career in science attractive to our young people.

At the last congress, at Vishakapatnam, I announced a new scheme named INSPIRE - “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research”. I am very happy that we launched this scheme last month, with INSPIRE scholarships being given to some of our talented youth. The scheme, I believe, is unparalleled in its content, scale and scope. It seeks to establish a vertical link between different stages in the pursuit of a career in science.

Our Government takes pride in the fact that in the past four years we have crossed many new milestones in the development of science teaching and research in our country. Four years ago there was only one Indian Institute of Science, which was a hundred year old institution. Today we can say with pride that we have launched five new institutions dedicated to teaching and research in sciences. This marks a historic turning point for Indian science. I had promised and I stand by the promise, that we will double the investment in science from 1% of our national income to 2% of our national income.

Let me enumerate some of the initiatives we have taken for the development of science in India:

We have widened the higher education base of the country by investing in the creation of 30 new central universities, 5 new Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, 8 new Indian Institutes of Technology and 20 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology. We have also established the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The Department of Atomic Energy has taken the initiative to set up the National Institute of Science Education and Research in Bhubaneswar to nurture world class scientists.

We have created a new Ministry for Earth Sciences. An UNESCO centre for education and training in biotechnology are being commissioned. The agro-food park is being designed to promote research-led business in biotechnology. An Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicines, in Bangalore is to be established to create an organizational structure that promotes growth of expertise in stem cell research.

New institutes for research in Himalayan glaciology, molecular materials, nano science and technology are being created. There are proposals from the Ministry of Science and Technology to adopt the Cancer Research Institute in Chennai, the Institute for Advanced Study in Science and the Technology (IASST) in Guwahati and the National Innovation Foundation as grantee institutions.

The budget outlay for the Ministries of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences has been trebled for the last four-year period, 2004-08, relatively to the previous four-year period, 2000-04.

As Shri Kapil Sibbal has just now mentioned that the Parliament has recently adopted a Bill to set up a National Science and Engineering Research Board to be responsible for major scientific research funding in the our country. The Board will be an autonomous body and would have the freedom to establish new modalities of funding research as well as for creating facilities and structures that would help improve the quality and quantity of scientific research in the country. It is expected that this Board would bring in major changes in the scientific research scenario in the country.

Bills for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights for publicly funded research, and for Medical Devices Regulations are on the anvil. The Bill on Research and Development Projects (Protection of Intellectual Property) is expected to facilitate the flow of research results from universities and academic institutions to industry and provide financial incentives for inventors.

A National Biotechnology Strategy, with a focus on human resource development, infrastructure development, promotion of biotechnology parks, regulatory mechanisms and public communication and participation has been formulated. Apart from INSPIRE, we have also launched PURSE - Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence and the Small Business Innovative Research Initiative.

Our government has mounted several promotional measures to strengthen the Research and Development base in the country. Fellowships named after renowned scientist Dr. Ramanujan, Dr. Ramalingaswamy, Dr. J C Bose, and Dr. Raja Ramanna have been instituted to provide additional research support. Research fellowships for doctoral students have been increased by 50% and the University Grants Commission is committed to providing research fellowships for all Ph. D students in various disciplines of sciences.

The Pay Commission has made a recommendation that scientific personnel can be provided a new scheme under Performance Related Incentive System (PRIS). The Government has accepted the special recommendation and we will implement a suitable scheme to reward good performers.

In order to promote research in the area of drugs and pharmaceuticals, a special scheme with a provision for providing grant to industry for research and development on neglected diseases has been initiated. Open-source drug discovery and CSIR-800 are major steps forward in ensuring social gains from publicly funded research.

An Inter-Ministerial Group of Secretaries in the biotechnology sector and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council have been set up. Several schemes and programmes based on Public-Private partnerships have been launched. We are encouraging partnership programmes with the corporate sector to promote privately funded research. I am happy to learn that NASSCOM and FICCI have been helpful in this national effort.

I am very happy to learn that these initiatives are beginning to bear fruit. I am told there has been a sharp rise in the number of research proposals received and research projects sanctioned in recent years. New public-private partnerships and technology incubators have been established. But we have a long way to go before we can say that we are satisfied with the pace of progress.

I do recognize that India lags behind not just developed western nations, but also the newly industrializing economies of Asia. While our government is doing its bit to ensure quantitative development, the leadership for qualitative development must come from you.

It is teachers and researchers who inspire new generations. The Government can at best ease the supply side constraints on teaching and research. The demand side stimulus must come from institutions of excellence and from industry. Our Universities must do more to foster a research environment. We need strengthening of institutional leadership in Universities and research institutions. We need a new generation of role models and leaders.

The best science is done by young people. Our institutions, therefore, must be receptive to the needs of young people. They must promote younger talent and allow youth to lead. Seniority and age may be relevant in bureaucratic systems, but scientific institutions must be led by creative intellectual leaders, irrespective of their age.

Indian industry too must invest more in research and development and boost the demand for science and technology graduates and researchers. Look at the role played by public investment in nuclear energy, space and defence related industry in creating the demand for science and technology graduates. We need a new wave of such investment from the private sector so that our young people will be encouraged increasingly to seek a career in science.

In conclusion, let me say once again say that I am delighted that this session of the Congress is being held in Shillong. Our Government has developed and implemented special packages for supporting science education and research in colleges and universities in the North Eastern Region. 58 colleges in the region have been accorded a special package of Rs 50 lakhs for strengthening their laboratory infrastructure. About 240 fellowships exclusive to the region for promotion of research for various categories have been instituted. A special package for biotechnology related research has been launched. Science-society linkages and activities have been launched under the National Mission on Bamboo Applications. I sincerely hope this special session in the Indian Science congress on S&T issues for the North Eastern Region will come forward with brand new ideas for the promotion of science in this region.

Many years ago Sir Winston Churchill had said that the “empires of the future will be the empires of the mind”. It is on the foundation of investment in science and technology that modern societies are going to move forward. We have a proud record in this, but not an adequate one. We have to do much more to make ours a knowledge based society. Our Government has made investment in education and skill-building a corner stone of our development process.

I urge each one of you to contribute to this gigantic national effort to build a truly knowledge based society and a science-based economy in this ancient land of Bharat.”

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

96th Indian Science Congress

2009-01-05T23:45:00.002+05:30

Swaminathan calls for 'evergreen revolution' in NE

Shillong: Noted agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan on Sunday underlined the need for conserving the rich bio-diversity of north-east and called for ushering in an 'evergreen revolution' in the region.

"Efforts should be directed at promotion of bio-happiness among tribal families. The NE is one of the 12 mega bio-diversity zones of the world and more than 80 per cent of people here depend for their livelihood on agriculture," he said while addressing the 96th Indian Science Congress at the North Eastern Hill University in Shillong.

Noting that the region produced 5.8 million tonne of food-grain against a requirement of 7.4 million tonne, he asked institutes to take up conservation programmes for the rare, endangered and threatened (RET) species of flora.

Observing that "domestication of rice" had taken place in the north-east 10,000 years ago, he called for evolution of "new rice species" blending traditional wisdom and modern science.

"The cultural traditions of the tribal people have an important role in understanding bio-diversity conservation and management issues."

Emphasising on linking of bio-diversity, biotechnology and business in a mutually reinforcing manner, he called for concerted efforts by agriculture scientists for "saving genes for posterity".

"The loss of every species and gene limits our options for the future. If farm ecology and economics go wrong, nothing else will go right."

In 'evergreen revolution', Swaminathan gave thrust on soil health care, harvesting and efficient use of water, technology and appropriate inputs, credit and insurance and assured remunerative marketing.

Referring to the dry spell during the lean period in the world's wettest place Cherrapunjee, he advocated harvesting of rainwater to resolve the crisis.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

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Text of PM Manmohan Singh’s Speech

Jayenta Kumar Calls on Korean Ambassador

2009-01-02T22:34:00.001+05:30

Imphal, Jan 2: Manipur Education Minister, L Jayenta Kumar, who called on Korean ambassador Young Sun Paek in New Delhi, recently discussed for extension of co-operation between Korea and Manipur in the fields of culture, sports and economic, official sources here said today.

Sources said Kumar during his meeting with Paek extended an invitation for sending a cultural troupe of Korea to Manipur in February or March this year.

Manipur director of education (School) M Harekrishna, social activist, N Ratan, secretary (culture) of Korean embassy Spung-Ho Kin and Korean professor J K Kim were also present during the meeting, sources said.

Sources said Koirean ambassador had also agreed to the opening of a Korean studies faculty in Manipur university and assured that Korean teachers would be sent for providing 6-month Korean language training course.

The minister was informed that expenditure for opening Korean studies would be borne by the Korean authorities, sources added.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Ibobi for More SPOs

2009-01-02T22:31:00.001+05:30

Govt plans Heirok-style recruits in valley districts

Imphal, Jan 1: The 301 special police officers (SPOs) recruited by the Okram Ibobi Singh government to protect Heirok in Manipur’s Thoubal district in June last year are yet to be assigned any duties.

However, while the SPOs await their call, the state government is planning to recruit more such officers from different parts of the four valley districts. Sources said the Union home ministry had agreed to a proposal by the government to recruit 1,500 SPOs. This includes the 301 officers already trained to protect Heirok.

The Heirok SPOs completed six months of training at the Manipur Police Training School on December 30 and were taken back to their village the same day. The SPOs, who were given a two-day holiday, will report back tomorrow morning at the India Reserve Battalion post at Heirok.

Sources said the police could use the officers to patrol areas in and around Heirok.

A source said unlike the Heirok SPOs, the officers who would be trained now would not be deployed in their home towns but attached to police stations located in the four valley districts. “The idea is to assist the police stations in maintaining law and order. All the police stations are suffering from lack of manpower. The SPOs would assist the police stations in their area of work,” the source said.

Unlike the Heirok SPOs who were recruited from the village itself, the next phase of recruitment will not be confined to particular areas but from the entire valley. The source said preference would be given to candidates hailing from militancy-prone areas.

The United National Liberation Front and Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup strongly opposed the government’s move to arm the villagers of Heirok as an attempt to trigger fratricidal killings. Another source termed the proposed SPOs as “low-cost” police personnel. The Heirok SPOs are given a monthly remuneration of Rs 3,000 each in addition to ration and uniforms. The same facilities would be extended to the next batch of SPOs.

The Ibobi Singh government changed the plan to provide the SPOs with outdated .303 rifles. According to sources, the SPOs would now be given self-loading rifles. The state government may recruit SPOs for the five hill districts as well.

Source: The Telegraph

Army Operation on Loktak

2009-01-02T22:28:00.001+05:30

Major militant camp busted in Manipur

Imphal, Jan 2: Security and police forces have busted a major camp of militants during a combing operation at places near Loktak lake in Bishenpur district of Manipur and recovered many sophisticated weapons, police said on Friday.

Sources said a joint team of army personnel and police commandos, attached to Bishenpur police station, launched a massive manhunt at Tharopat, Ngamupat and Yennapat near Loktak lake on Wednesday last.

As they stepped up search operation, they were fired upon by suspected militants of Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup (KYKL), sources said adding that exchange of fire lasted several hours during which the militants reportedly escaped to nearby jungles.

No casualty was, however, reported. Security personnel continued operation and later busted a major hideout of the militants, recovering two AK 56 rifles, 12 AK magazines, 21 grenades, 251 rounds of ammunitions, anti-personal mines and other explosive materials besides a television set and a power generator.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Moirang for Congress

2009-01-02T22:21:00.002+05:30

Ibobi wants to develop Moirang

Imphal: Let's strengthen Congress party all the more by winning both seats of the Lok Sabha in the coming general elections, Chief Minister O Ibobi said.

He was speaking at a function held at the Congress Bhavan to felicitate Mairembam Prithviraj who just won the by-election of Moirang assembly constituency held on December 27 .

Expressing happiness on the success of Prithviraj, Chief Minister Ibobi thanked the electorate of Moirang AC for having voted for Prithviraj, son of the late MLA M Manindra.

The people of Moirang have shown that they have full confidence in Congress party for which he and the party would ever remain grateful, he said.

Moirang AC is a historical place and the government would do everything possible to develop the place.

All that the late MLA had thought of developing Moirang AC, now Prithviraj would be made to complete, the Chief Minister said.

He also thanked the minority Muslim community of Moirang AC for having supported the Congress candidate.

He would try to turn all the memoranda submitted to him before the by-election into actions, he said. When he was alive, Manindra had told him that he would like to develop the complex of Ibudhou Thangjing.

That will be translated into reality.

The late MLA had also tried hard to expand the Moirang bazar.

That will also be taken up very soon, Chief Minister Ibobi said.

Rs 400 crore has already been sanctioned to develop Loktak lake as a tourist centre.

The road from Moirang to Sendra will also be expanded into four lanes, Ibobi said.

Regarding the Local Area Development Fund (LADF), the Chief Minister said, the annual LADF for an MLA is Rs 40 lakh.

The people know very well where the money is being spent.

Therefore, when the people enquire about the funds, the MLAs should be able to give accurate accounts of where the funds were spent.

For this records should be kept properly, he said and appealed to the MLAs to try to give the exact proof of the money spent.

MPCC president Gai-khangam who also spoke at the function, maintained that the success of Congress in the Moirang AC by-election is a great achievement of the party.

It was an acknowledgement of the performance of the Ibobi government by the people of Moirang AC.

The party, the government and the newly elected MLA would try to translate all the assurances given before the by-election into reality.

MLA T Mangibabu, MP Dr T Meinya, Ministers Allauddin Khan, Phungzathang Tonsing and L Jayentakumar also spoke on the occasion.

Officer bearers and workers of MPCC attended the function.

Earlier, Chief Minister O Ibobi, Ministers, Congress MLAs and functionaries warmly received M Prithviraj by garlanding him.

Source: Huieyen News Network

Prime Minister in NE

2009-01-02T22:15:00.001+05:30

PM reaches Guwahati

Guwahati, Jan 2: The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has arrived at Guwahati today. He is accompanied by three Union Ministers Mani Shankar Aiyar, Kapil Sibbal and Prithviraj Chouhan. They were received in the Borjhar Airport by the State Governor Shiv Charan Mathur and the Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

On his arrival,the Prime Minister staightaway went to the Guwahati Medical College Hospital to take stock of the condition of those injured in last evening's serial blasts in the Guwahati city.

Dr. Singh will go to Shillong in Meghalaya on Saturday morning. He will inaugurate the 96th Indian Science Congress at the North East Hill University in Shillong. This is for the first time that Indian Science Congress meet has been organized in the North Eastern part of the Country.

More then four thousand scientists are taking part in the five day science congress . This year's topic is Science Education and attraction of talent for excellence in research.

Indian Science Congress 2009

2009-01-02T22:10:00.002+05:30

The 96th Indian Science Congress is being held in North Eastern Hill University, NEHU, Shillong, 3-7 January 2009. The theme this year is "Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research". The event is to be inaugurated tomorrow by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam will be inaugurating the Children's Science Congress on the 5th of January, 2009.

Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology is the President of Indian Science Congress 2009. The event which is being held in the North East for the first time, will be attended by a galaxy of scientists form India and abroad who will interact with each other for common goal of scientific advancement for the good of the society.

These interactions will take place in various sessions, seminars and symposia. Several public lectures have also been organised on the occasion. There will be a special programme with the focus on the north eastern region. These will include areas such as, biodiversity, natural disaster management, traditional knowledge, digital library, decentralised and clean energy generation, societal and technological response to climate changes. Science education will be the focus of Children Science Congress.

Under the science education theme, several topics such as, role of academics, attraction of talent, excellence in research, etc. will be discussed. There will also be a national consultation on attraction of talent for R&D Public-Private Partnerships. A panel discussion is also scheduled for Centre-State dialogue on science education.

Besides eminent scientists, hundreds of delegates from different areas of science and technology and a large number of students will participate in this annual gathering. All adequate arrangements have been made for the event.

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Another Story:

Indian Science Congress begins in Shillong Saturday

Shillong, Jan 2: The stage is set for the inauguration of the Indian Science Congress Saturday in Meghalaya capital Shillong by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.Rich biodiversity, clean energy generation and the social and technological response to climate change with reference to the northeast would be the key issues of the Congress, being held for the first time in the region.

“The focal theme of the Congress would be ‘Science education and attraction of talent for excellence in research’,” said Thirumalachari Ramasami, president of the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA).

“The 96th session of the ISC would underline both historical perspective and geographical uniqueness as it would have discussion on local action to stimulate Indian science education, look for excellence in research and international cooperation,” he told journalists here.

The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) will host the five-day ISC, which has been held annually since 1914.

More than 3,000 delegates, including foreign scientists and some Nobel laureates, are expected to attend the meet.

“The meet assumes great significance as it is for the first time such a big scientific event is being held in the region having a rich culture and biodiversity, besides being an important gene centre globally,” said Pramod Tandon, vice-chancellor of NEHU.

“Since 1914, ISCA brought together scientists from India and abroad for mutual interaction thus helping them achieve their common goal of scientific advancement for the good of the society,” Tandon told IANS.

A large number of young scientists, engineers and technologists from India and abroad would also gather at the meet.

The other themes of the meet include international cooperation for promotion of excellence in research, national consultation on attraction of talent for research and development public-private partnership (PPP), centre-state dialogue on science education, and societal and technological response to climate change.

“Scientist M.G.K. Menon and ‘Father of the Green Revolution’ M.S. Swaminathan would deliver lectures on science education with reference to the students in the Northeast and future of Indian agriculture,” Tandon said.

Several exclusive pavilions will showcase various achievements and the vision development of north eastern states and their rich culture and heritage.

“The special pavilion ‘Edu Vision’ is in keeping with the main theme of this year’s Congress - Science Education and Attraction of Talent for Excellence in Research,” Ramasami said.

The ‘Edu-Vision’ will also highlight remarkable initiatives undertaken by the human resource development ministry, department of science and technology, department of bio-technology, Council of Scientific Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Scientific Industrial Research (DSIR) and Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) towards making quality education accessible to ordinary citizens at an affordable cost.

“This pavilion will provide young scientific talent with unique opportunity to interact with the established scientific fraternity and policy makers in shaping up their future careers,” a senior NEHU official said, adding it will also demonstrate the various initiatives of the state governments for promotion of science and technology and higher education in the region.

“This pavilion shall also display the potential of north eastern states in eco and adventure tourism, biodiversity, horticulture, floriculture and handicrafts and it shall give unique opportunity to entrepreneurs and various organisations, their strength and vision,” he added.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service (IANS)

No Truce with Bodo Militants: Gogoi

2009-01-02T22:07:00.001+05:30

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has opposed extending the ceasefire with the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB)—an armed outfit considered more dangerous than the ULFA—which expired on December 31.

Gogoi’s opposition to the ceasefire extension comes on a day when P Chidambaram arrives on his maiden visit to Assam as Union Home Minister. Chidambaram, who reaches Guwahati late on Thursday night, will review the Assam security scenario in the wake of the October 30 serial blasts as also the counter-insurgency operations under the United Command structure.

“I am against extending the ceasefire with NDFB which expired last night. They have violated the ceasefire ground rules. In spite of the ceasefire they carried out serial blasts in Guwahati and other places (on October 30),” Gogoi said. The CM, however, said it was ultimately for the Centre to take the ultimate decision. “The Centre will of course make its own assessment of the ground situation before taking a decision,” he said.

NDFB, originally formed as Bodo Security Force in 1986 with a demand for creation of a sovereign state for the Bodo tribals of Assam, had entered into a ceasefire with the Centre in October 2005, following which it has been extended from time to time. But with several of its cadres being arrested in connection with the serial blasts of October 30 which left over 90 dead in Guwahati and three other towns, Assam is now opposing extension of ceasefire against the NDFB.

Gogoi also hailed the victory of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League and its allies in the just-concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, and expressed hope that the new regime would flush out all Northeast rebel groups from hideouts across the border.

Gogoi said he would be only too happy to lead an Indian goodwill delegation to Bangladesh in order to discuss various issues common to the Northeast and the neighbouring country. “I would definitely love to do so, provided the Government of India permits me,” he said.

Source: Indian Express

More SBI Branches in NE

2009-01-02T22:04:00.001+05:30

Guwahati, Jan 2 The country's largest lender, State Bank of India, today said about 60 branches of the bank are expected to come up in the North-Eastern region, particularly in the rural and semi-urban areas.

"An additional 60 branches are expected to be added to the tally, majority of which will be located in rural and semi-urban areas," bank's Chairman O P Bhatt said during an interaction with the media here.

With today's opening of the 11,111 branch by Home Minister P Chidambaram, the bank has now a network of 230 branches in Assam, and 478 in the entire North-East.

SBI has opened around 2,50,000 no-frills accounts and sponsored five regional rural banks with a network of 175 branches.

It was recently awarded the best bank by the Banker magazine of London and it has been in the forefront of the country's economic development, especially in the far flung, inaccessible areas.

The bank has 288 ATMs in the region with all the branches and the ATMs are networked on the core banking platform.

"We have provided assistance to all sections of society, including farmers, students and artisans, and are now gearing up to reach the yet-excluded population,"he said.

Chidambaram today inaugurated State Bank of India's 11,111th branch at Sonapur.

SBI Chairman O P bhatt said the bank had the largest network of branches in the North East and was the biggest lender.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Guwahati Blasts

2009-01-02T21:48:00.004+05:30

Sketch of Assam blast accused released

Guwahati, Jan 2: The sketch of an ULFA militant, said to be the prime accused in Thursday’s serial blasts in Guwahati was released on Friday by the Assam A sketch of the prime accused in Thursday’s serial blasts in Guwahati.

The sketch is of 20-year-old Pranjol Deka alias Biju Sarania alias Bhambal of the ULFA's 709 battalion, the prime accused, police spokesperson Jyashree Khersa said.

Deka was the mastermind who carried out the three blasts with the help of two associates, she said.

Deka was a resident of Duarkuchi village in Assam's Baksa district.

The police have launched a massive manhunt to nab him and his two associates, she said.

Five persons were killed and over 50 injured in the blasts.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Image: Times Now

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Assam serial blasts toll rises to six

Guwahati, Jan 2: The death toll in the serial blasts in Assam has risen to 6 with one person succumbing to his injuries overnight, officials said on Friday.

"The death toll so far is six, with one of the injured succumbing to his injuries at a hospital," Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam government spokesperson and health minister, said.

Three bombs rocked Assam's main city of Guwahati on Thursday - two of the explosions went off in crowded marketplaces, while the third blast was beside a roadside garbage bin.

Five people died on the spot, while 51 more were wounded in the serial bombings.

"The condition of at least four of the injured was stated to be critical," the minister said.

Police and authorities blamed the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for the attacks although the rebel group has not owned responsibility for the blasts.

"The ULFA is behind the explosions and intended to creating panic on new year's day," Assam police chief GM Srivastava said.

Home minister P Chidambaram, who arrived here soon after the blasts on a pre-scheduled visit, met the injured at the Guwahati medical college hospital on Friday.

Chidambaram is scheduled to hold a meeting of the Unified Command in Guwahati, to be attended by chief minister Tarun Gogoi, top police officials, besides army and paramilitary commanders, to review the security situation in the state.

Thursday's bombings comes after a wave of explosions Oct 30, when 90 people were killed and 300 injured in nine blasts in towns and cities across Assam, including three in Guwahati.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service (IANS)

Chidambaram visits injured in serial blasts

Guwahati, Jan 2: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today visited the victims of the serial blasts in a hospital here and would chair a meeting of the unified command in the wake of the explosions, suspected to have been carried out by the banned ULFA killing five people.

"I will be reviewing the law and order situation with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and chair a unified command meeting here today", Chidambaram said after inaugurating the 11,111th branch of the State Bank of India at Sonapur in Kamrup district.

Chidambaram, accompanied by Gogoi and his senior cabinet colleagues, visited the Gauhati Medical College Hospital to meet the injured in the serial blasts in the city yesterday, which left 50 wounded besides five dead.

He spent about 30 minutes in the hospital and directed the doctors to give the best possible medical care to the injured.

Addressing the SBI function, Chidambaram said that the government was determined to overcome all obstacles to bring in development in Assam.

"The Central and Assam Governments have given a clear message that whatever the obstacles and the threats, we are determined to bring in development in the state", he said.

"The mantra of the UPA government at the Centre and the Congress Government in Assam is development. The chief minister should devote all his energy for overall development of the state", the minister said.

"I am hopeful that Assam, with the immense development taking place here, will be able to overcome the difficult times", he added.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Chidambaram Talks Tough

2009-01-02T21:18:00.001+05:30

Chidambaram warns of action against NE militants

Guwahati, Jan 2: In a tough message against the backdrop of New Year-day serial blasts, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today said security forces will deal with banned outfits in the north east "decisively" if they threaten peace and integrity of India but felt talks could be held with ULFA if it gave up sovereignty demand.

"The leaders of banned organisations if they are listening as I speak now or read it in tomorrow's newspapers or watch television later in the day, they must get this clear message that security forces will deal decisively with the members of these banned organisations who threaten peace and integrity of India," he said.

Addressing a press conference here after a review meeting with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who also chairs the Unified Command in the north east, Chidambaram said "no quarter would be given to militants." Condemning yesterday's blasts here in which five people were killed and over 50 injured, he said police knew who were behind them and expressed confidence that Assam police.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Guwahati Blasts

2009-01-02T21:15:00.001+05:30

Centre had provided intelligence to Assam: Chidambaram

Guwahati, Jan 2: Refusing to blame intelligence failure for the serial blasts in Guwahati, Home Minister P Chidambaram today said that Assam police had acted "swiftly and decisively" on the inputs provided by the Centre but was "unlucky" to have missed the culprits.

"Assam police nearly apprehended him (one of the blast suspects). A little bit of luck evaded Assam Police. I am sure next time Assam Police will be lucky," Chidambarm told reporters here.

Chidambaram said the Centre had intelligence inputs which were passed on swiftly to the state.

He disagreed that the blast occurred due to intelligence failure. "Assam police acted swiftly and decisively" but were unlucky not to apprehend the culprits, Chidambaram said in reply to a question.

Chidambaram said riverine police should be set up in Assam along Brahmaputra.

Asked whether the blasts were the result of intelligence failure, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had yesterday said I do not say failure but lapses are there." "No country can provide 100 per cent security and we don't have the best intelligence," Gogoi told reporters.

"We need to improve and strengthen our police force apart from ensuring its modernisation," he had said.

Five persons were killed and over 50 injured in three blasts in Guwahati yesterday.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Guwahati Blasts

2009-01-02T21:13:00.002+05:30

PM announces ex-gratia for Assam blast victims

New Delhi, Jan 2: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in the serial bomb blasts at Guwahati in Assam.

An amount of Rs one lakh each would be given to those seriously injured in yesterday's blasts, Prime Minister's Media Adviser said in a statement.

The assistance would be given from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives in the blasts, the prime minister said yesterday that the government would root out terrorism taking the recent anti-terror measures to their logical conclusion.

"The government will stay steadfast in its determination to root out terrorism and that the measures initiated recently in this direction will be taken to their logical conclusion," he had said.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Guwahati Blasts

2009-01-01T22:14:00.003+05:30

5 dead, 51 injured in serial blasts

Guwahati, Jan 1: Three blasts took place in crowded areas of Guwahati today (Thursday), shortly before the arrival of Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

The Assam Chief Minister's Office confirmed that the low intensity blasts have left five persons dead and 51 others injured.

The first bomb exploded in the Birubari area, injuring three persons.

At least four people were injured when a suspected cycle bomb exploded at Bhootnath locality, which falls on the route Chidambaram was to take, shortly before his arrival.

Three persons were injured in a blast outside a Big Bazar retail chain outlet at Bhangagarh, an upmarket commercial area near the Guwahati Medical College.

Earlier, an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) kept in a municipal corporation dustbin went off at around 3:00pm leaving three persons wounded.

Assam DGP, GM Srivastava has said, “One person is in critical condition. We can confirm that the perpetrators are ULFA.”

''We had information that an ULFA cadre has sneaked into the city and was planning to carry out subversive activities on either December 31 or January one. The security was alerted and as such the attacks were not carried out in an organised manner'', Srivastava told reporters.

"The outfit had plans to carry out subversive activities on a large scale but it was 'foiled by our alert force. The security was tight, checkings were on and the bombs were thrown in a disorganised manner, except in Bhootnath area where the bomb planted in bicycle was kept in front of a shop'', he said.

The DGP expressed regret that the local public were not alert enough at Bhootnath as the bomb was planted there. The police have identified the cadre who had sneaked into the city to carry out the blasts and he was a new recruit.

He said "militants usually strike on such days to make their presence felt and send a message to the common people that they exist."

The injured have been rushed to a hospital and they were identified as Altaf Ali, Fatema Begum and Raul Ali. Police have cordoned off the blast sites.

The state witnessed serial blasts on October 30, killing 88 people.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to arrive in Guwahati on Friday.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Serial blasts in India's northeast 'kill five'

3 blasts in India's northeast leave 5 dead

Indian Science Congress

2009-01-01T22:09:00.001+05:30

PM to inaugurate ISC session on Saturday

Shillong, Jan 1: The age old heritage and bio-diversity of the northeastern region will be shining once again when the country hosts its Science Congress session in Shillong on January 3.

According to Vice-chancellor of North East Hill University (NEHU) of Pramod Tandon, delegates would be coming from outside and they have their desire to visit places like Kaziranga National Park and Cherrapunjee during their stay.

Tandon, who is the chairman of the celebration committee said over 4,000 participants from countries like US, China, Japan and Bangladesh are expected to attend the five-day meet that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on January 3.

According to him, the grand event would help the region explore its potential, promote its tourism and showcase it to the world.

Source: Assam Times

Another Story

Spotlight on NE during ISC session

Shillong: The spotlight would be on the rich cultural heritage and bio-diversity of the NE region at the India Science Congress session, which takes place here from January 3.

"Delegates and participants who would be coming from outside have already told us about their desire to visit places like Kaziranga National Park and Cherrapunjee during their stay," the Vice-chancellor of North East Hill University (NEHU) Pramod Tandon said.

Over 4,000 participants from countries like US, China, Japan and Bangladesh are expected to attend the five-day meet that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on January 3. The participants would be state guests.

The prestigious event would help the region explore its potential, promote its tourism and showcase it to the world, Tandon, who is also the chairman of the organising committee, said.

A pavilion will showcase various achievements and development of the NE states, their rich culture and heritage.

The Science Congress will have exclusive sessions on biodiversity and traditional knowledge, clean energy generation, disaster management and climate change, the organsiders said.

Meghalaya Tourism department has come up with a tourism guide brochure, highlighting spots of tourist interst specially for the mega event.

Another important aspect would be to tap traditional knowledge of the region which has been handed to generations, the organisers said.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

North East Crafts Fair in Kolkata

2009-01-01T21:43:00.000+05:30

Kolkata, Jan 1: Winter is the time when most of the handicraft trade fairs are organised the maximum. Kolkata is also hosting the North East Crafts Fair at the Salt Lake Central Park. The fair has been organised by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Department to showcase and promote products of the North East to other regions of India.

The products originating from the handlooms as well as handicrafts sector are a sight to behold. On exhibit are Naga shawls, silk saris, traditional jewellery, Assamese saris and many other items to catch the eye of the visitors from all the North East states of India like Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram.

The traditional skills passed down from centuries are visible in exquisite textiles and jewellery on display at the fair. Artisans are at hand to enthrall the visitors by giving demonstrations in the art of making the handicraft products. According to sources it takes a few months to produce the superb and fine Naga shawl.

Source: Fibre2fashion News Desk (India)

Bangladesh Under New Regime

2009-01-01T21:38:00.001+05:30

India hopes Bangladesh will crack down on NE insurgents

New Delhi: Having correctly read Bangladesh's electoral mood, India now hopes that the new Awami League government will finally start cracking down on anti-India insurgents who have for long made that country their base.

The presence in Bangladesh of leaders and key operatives of several militant groups from northeast India has been a thorn in bilateral ties that otherwise improved under the country's army-backed caretaker administration.

But the insurgents, in particular the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), continued to use Bangladeshi soil. Although the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) also has a presence in Bangladesh, it is now in talks with India.

Another group giving the Indian establishment a headache is the Harkat-ul-Jihadi-Islami (HuJI), a Bangladeshi group linked to terrorist actions in India.

New Delhi is also hoping that the new government of Sheikh Hasina will sign an extradition treaty with India - another longstanding Indian wish.

All these will be hard decisions since Bangladesh, which has repeatedly denied harbouring militants from India, has political forces that have thrived on anti-India sentiments. But with a solid parliamentary majority, the Awami League should be able to break with the past and embark on a new friendly course with its larger neighbour.

India's three major concerns vis-à-vis Bangladesh cover security, water transit and land connectivity to the Indian northeast. Although the army-backed caretaker government steadily improved relations with India, these areas continue to cause hiccups.

The Indian establishment was confident that the secular Awami League, the party of Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman now headed by his daughter, would get a majority in the 300-seat parliament with help from allies. But it did not expect the sweeping win by the Awami League. The pro-Pakistan Islamist forces appear to have been crushed, say analysts here.

India will be very keen to engage the new government. Since the caretaker government came to power in January 2007, New Delhi has shown it is ready to walk the extra mile to improve relations.

It allowed Bangladesh to export eight million pieces of garments to India, increased the number of duty-free items Dhaka could export to India, and lifted the ban on Bangladeshi investments in India. To facilitate exports, the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution was recognised by India. The trade gap is now heavily tilted in favour of India.

The long-awaited train service resumed between Kolkata and Dhaka after a 43-year gap. India also offered a huge quantity of rice at a "friendship price" last year.

All this did help. There was some clearing of the air. Bangladesh this year invited Indian war veterans to commemorate its liberation from Pakistan. Indian Army chief General Deepak Kapoor visited Dhaka in July - the last such visit took place in 2000 -- following the earlier visit to India of Bangladesh's General Moeen U. Ahmed, the real power behind the caretaker government.

Gen Ahmed's visit boosted army-to-army ties. The realisation that strategic relations needed to be improved with India, a growing economic powerhouse, set in. Also that Bangladesh's Look East policy, meant to be a snub to India, had failed to bring tangible benefits.

In keeping with its economic ambitions, India is keen to get access to Bangladesh's Chittagong port and make Ashuganj in that country a port of call.

All this - and more - will be possible only if Bangladesh has a stable government that is able to take key decisions without being pushed around.

Bangladesh too has concerns vis-a-vis India. There are complaints that India's Border Security Force (BSF) often kills innocent Bangladeshis in the name of checking illegal border traffic. India's border fence has ignited tensions. And many Bangladeshis feel that India is a hegemonic power and their own ties with Pakistan and China are meant to counter this.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service (IANS)

NE Express Rescheduled

2009-01-01T21:28:00.002+05:30

Heavy fog hits air, rail traffic

New Delhi, Jan 1: After a day's break, fog returned with a vengeance to the national capital today (Thursday) badly affecting air and rail traffic with over 76 flights being delayed and 18 cancelled and more than 25 trains running behind schedule.

Several trains approaching the national capital were running several hours late, with some behind schedule by up to 20 hours, railway sources said.

The trains running late included Goa Express, Mumbai- Firozpur Express and Vaishali Express.

North-east Express and Dibrugarh Rajdhani from Delhi have been rescheduled, they said.

Flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International airport here came to a standstill with the general visibility falling below 50 metres and runway visibility range (RVR) dipping to 125 metres, lower than the required minimum of 150 metres for the planes to take off, sources at the airport said.

Around 40 outgoing domestic flights and 15 incoming ones were delayed by up to five hours, while 11 international flights arriving at the IGI airport and 10 departing from there were also delayed, the sources said, adding that 18 flights were cancelled.

Barring a few, most of the early morning flights were either delayed or cancelled as the fog began enveloping the IGI airport from 1.30 am.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

NE Girl Raped in Gurgaon

2009-01-01T08:14:00.005+05:30

Bodo girl works as domestic help

Gurgaon, Dec 31: A 22-year-old girl, belonging to a tribal community of Assam, was raped in Greenwood City Sector 40, Gurgaon, on Tuesday night (Dec 30). The girl has been living in Gurgaon for the last two years. She used to work as a domestic help till two months ago and was out of job at present.

According to police sources, the victim had met the accused, Manish, through her boyfriend, Uttam, who is also from Assam and runs a momo shop. Manish works in an automobile company in Manesar and had promised the victim the job of a maidservant at his relative's place.

The police said Manish took the victim to a flat in Greenwood City in a car on the pretext of getting her the job. There, he asked the girl to consume alcohol, however she declined. He then offered her juice that was mixed with some intoxicant and raped her. The accused also forced the girl to wear inappropriate clothes and clicked her photographs. Police officials said the victim was raped repeatedly the whole night. Reportedly, the girl also told the police that the accused was taking her photographs even while committing the crime.

Around 5 am on Wednesday, the girl managed to slip into the bathroom with her mobile phone and called her boyfriend to tell him about the incident. Uttam then called the north east support centre and help line and informed them. Around 8 am, the helpline team arrived at the Sector 40 police station and lodged a complaint.

Meanwhile, the accused took the girl in his car and dumped her. The victim then managed to reach the police station. The police have registered a case against Manish under Section 376 of IPC and prevention of atrocity against SC/ST act.

Kailash Chand, ACP (east) said, "The girl has been medically examined and the reports will come in a few days. We have arrested the accused and are interrogating him.'' He further said that investigation has revealed that neither the flat nor car belonged to the accused. While the flat was rented, the car was hired by Manish.

Meanwhile, NE support centre and help line spokesperson Madhu Chandran expressed displeasure over the insensitivity with which the police were handling the case. "Instead of interrogating the accused, they are posing embarrassing questions to the girl. They should not be harassing her further," he alleged. Chandran further said that a team of women was counselling the victim, who is traumatized and shocked after the incident.

Source: The Times of India

Another Story:

The satellite towns in Delhi have become crime-hub with reports of robbery, murder becoming a regular feature in Noida, Greater Noida and now a rape in Gurgaon.

In a bizarre incident a 21-year-old girl, Meena (name changed), belonging to the Bodo tribe from Assam, was on Tuesday night forced to consume liquor, shown vulgar videos, stripped and photographed, then raped allegedly by 35-year-old Manish.

Meena was staying with her friends in Sikandarpur and was looking for a job. Earlier she was employed with a family of foreigners and used to stay with them. After they left the city, Meena moved with her friends, and was in a look out for a job.

Apparently, Manish helped Meena find a job and was to escort her to her new employers last evening. Instead, he took her to his house.

Meena managed to call her friends in the morning and told them what had happened. Her friends in turn got in touch with North East Support Centre (NESC) and offshoot of All India Christian Council, who, as the name suggests, provide support to people from North East India working in the national capital region (NCR).

By then Manish dropped Meena in the vicinity of her house, and gave her Rs 100 to hire a transport back home.

"The girl was not in favour of reporting the matter to the police as she was scared and didn't want her family back home to know about it," says Madhu Chandra, spokesperson of NESC. Meena was given counselling and she finally agreed to take the police’s help.

The FIR has been registered by Sector 41 police station in Gurgaon after which Manish was arrested. A medical examination was carried out on the girl at a local hospital here and the report was awaited.

"W are happy with the way police have acted in this case," says Chandra.

Source: India Today

Earlier Stories:
Two North East Girls Molested in Gurgaon

December 13: Sexual and racial harassment to North East communities erupt again in Delhi and NCR. Two North East girls were severely beaten by a landlord and his son after molestation on December 12th midnight at Sikandrapur, DLF Phase 1, Gurgaon. One among them seriously injured her leg, hand and face and was hospitalized.

The incident happened at 2.30 AM on December 12, 2008 when the drunken landlord entered the room rented to two girls just two days earlier and molested them.

The girls informed the North East community leaders of Gurgaon and they rushed to the spot to help them. The landlord and his son assembled the neighbours and severely beaten them.

The matter was reported to the local police station and the victim who suffered the most was taken to the local hospital. Both of the girls belong to tribal communities of Manipur.

North East Support Centre & Helpline has spoken to Sub-Inspector of Police Mr. Aberaj, who is the in-charge of the case, refused to register the case until the filing of this report. Mr. Aberaj intentionally refused to register the case under the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocity Act 1995. Victim from Hospital bed reports to NE Helpline said that, Mr. Aberaj refused to take the SC/ST Atrocity Prevention Act section in a written complaint.

North East Support Centre & Helpline spokesperson, Mr. Madhu Chandra had to approach Additional Deputy Commission, Gurgaon to look into the matter and he assured that appropriate action will be taken up with the landlord and his son.

The sexual and racial harassment to North East communities was reduced after the NE Helpline came forward to help the victims but after the gap of 10 months, sexual harassment to North East girls is reported again.

North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) is combined initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to women, North East People and tribal communities of different states.

BPO staffers beaten up by landlord, son in Gurgaon

Manipuri women allege sexual assault, police apathy

N-E probe team meets ‘molestation case’ victims

Women’s panel takes up Manipuri girls assault case

NE students rally in Delhi over molestation

Moirang By-election

2008-12-31T00:35:00.001+05:30

Congress candidate Prithiviraj wins

Imphal, Dec 30: Continuing its good show in last assembly polls in the North-East, the Congress on Tuesday won the by-election to the prestigious Moirang assembly seat in Manipur.

The Congress' candidate M Prithiviraj defeated his nearest rival H Bira of Manipur People's Party (MPP) by over 4,800 votes in the by-election to Moirang in Bishenpur district, election office said today.

While Prithiviraj secured a total of 16,225 votes Bira came close by getting 11,338 votes.

By-election to the seat was held on December 27. The by-poll was necessitated following the death of Congress MLA M. Manindra who was the father of Prithiviraj some months ago.

The Congress-led Secular Progressive Front ministry has 35 seats (Congress 31 and CPI 4) in the 60-member Manipur legislative assembly.

Of the rest 25 seats, the opposition Manipur People's Party (MPP) has 5, Rashtriya Janata Dal 3, National People's Party 3, Nationalist Congress Party 4 and independents 10.

The Congress had wrested power in the Mizoram assembly elections earlier this month.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI)

Kangleipal Escapes

2008-12-31T00:30:00.002+05:30

Rights activist flees from hospital

Imphal, Dec 29: Sapamcha Kangleipal, a rights activist who was arrested under National Security Act for criticising the government for its move to arm villagers of Heirok, escaped from the security ward of Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital today.

Official sources said Kangleipal escaped through a window between midnight and 5am this morning.

Police investigators found iron bars of the only window in the room cut. They also recovered a piece of hacksaw from the room this morning.

Later tonight, three policemen, including a sub-inspector, were suspended.

The security ward is an extension of the jail. “We cannot say how he escaped. An inquiry will be held to find out everything, including security lapses, if any,” inspector-general of police (law and order), M. Karnajit Singh, said.

The deputy commissioner of Imphal East, Y. Thamkishore Singh, visited the security ward as did the superintendents of police, Imphal West and East, L. Kailun and Th. Rdheshyam Singh.

Kangleipal was arrested on May 7 for criticising the Manipur government’s move to arm Heirok in Thoubal district. Kangleipal, president of Manipur Forward Youth Front, was booked under Section 124(B) IPC, Section 9 Punjab Security Act and Section 8 (B) of Assam Maintenance of Public Order Act, all dealing with sedition.

Kangleipal was freed on May 13 on bail by the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West, M. Padmeshore. The police re-arrested him from the court gate the same day after Imphal West district magistrate, A. Ibocha Singh, issued an order to detain him under NSA.

Kangleipal was shifted from Sajiwa Jail to the security ward of the hospital for treatment of a stomach problem on July 21. There were 10 in the security ward, including Kangleipal. Of the rest, two are woman militants.

The security ward is guarded by 31 personnel, including homeguards. Two sections (22 members) of the 6th Manipur Rifles man the two locked entrances. Internal security is taken care of by the police and homeguards.

Two militants were with Kangleipal in room 2. “I found him missing at 5 this morning and informed the jail authorities,” havildar Md Nazir said.

The cells are locked at 8pm every day and the roll call is at 5am. “I took him to the toilet at 10.30 last night. I went to my room after I locked him up again,” the havildar said.

The two inmates said they did not see or hear anything last night.

They were shifted to another room after the incident.

Security personnel guarding the wards said they did not hear anything about cutting iron bars in the cells. “Construction is going on around the security ward. The labourers use electric machines to cut iron, which makes a lot of noise. So it will be difficult to find out if anything happened in the cells,” a securityman there said.

The hospital complex is being upgraded to a medical college.

Source: The Telegraph

Ratan Thiyam Special

2008-12-31T00:26:00.001+05:30

Manipur theatre artists enthrall Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 30: Various theatre lovers in Delhi had a special treat from north-east India, recently as they attended a Manipuri play here.

The play "When we dead awaken" was staged by Ratan Thiyam, the noted Manipuri playwright and theatre director during the Delhi Ibsen Festival organized by Royal Norwegian Embassy in collaboration with Dramatic Art and Design academy.

In 1899, Henrik Ibsen wrote a story "When we dead awaken", which is about the celebrated sculptor Arnold Rubek and his wife Maia. The play, based on this story, was reflected an intense desire for life.

The festival offered a platform to theatre artists for showcasing their talent.

R.K Bhogen, one theatre artist, said: "We encourage those who are interested in joining theatre. Everyone is welcome. Be it a Tangkhul, Kuki or Meitei, if they are interested, we will train them."

Ratan Thiyam, the theatre Director on this occasion, said: "We are very lucky that we have many of the very good actors, senior actors are training them. Nowadays we are trying to promote the young actors."

Thiyam, who staged the play in Manipuri, has been a National School of Drama graduate. He is a multi-faceted artist. His theatre productions have gained recognition not just in India but also across the world.

For the audience, it was a special treat to witness such a production.

Dr. Ranjana Devi, one among the audience, said: "We should also encourage our youths to appreciate such kind of play. We are really proud from the remote part of the country, this renowned artist Ratan Thiyam, we are really proud of him."

Mahesh, another audience, said: "They get a platform to express themselves. Normally, they are just doing out there, they don't have much exposure, coming here and showing it, they get a wider audience."

Apart from Delhi, the artistes have performed various plays in other parts of the country.

Manipur has a rich tradition of theatre, which has been used to express and create awareness in the society.

Source: Asian News International (ANI)

Murder in Mumbai!

2008-07-16T09:07:00.001+05:30

Manipuri girl found dead

Imphal/Mumbai, July 15: A 27-year-old Manipuri girl working as a customer relationship manager in a Mumbai five star hotel was found dead in her hostel at Marol in Andheri shortly after midnight on Friday.

Ch. Alena’s body was found hanging by a dupatta from the balcony of the hostel she shared with three other girls, authorities at Hotel Leela Kempinski said. But injury marks in her private parts have raised suspicions that she may have been sexually assaulted before being strangulated.

Though family members performed the last rites at Kongpal Kshetri Leikai of Imphal East this afternoon, they demanded a thorough probe by the Mumbai police into the circumstances leading to her death.

Chabungbam Ashok Kumar Singh, who brought his sister’s body home, said the family was “informed over phone on Saturday by hostel authorities that she was seriously ill, so come fast”.

When Ashok Kumar reached Mumbai on Sunday, his sister’s body was already in the morgue.

“They (the hotel and hostel authorities) were very uncooperative and refused to say anything about the circumstances leading to her death. They just said that she died in a local hospital on July 12. They may be trying to hush up matters,” Ashok Kumar alleged.

Alena was working at the hotel for the past one-and-a-half years.

A close relative said though the Cooper Post Mortem Centre on Juhu Road performed an autopsy and cited the provisional cause of death as “ligature on neck, we suspected foul play and got the body examined unofficially by some local doctors after the body was brought here this afternoon.

“We were told that there were injury marks on her private parts, which have aroused the suspicion that she could have been strangulated after sexual assault.”

Seeking a probe into the circumstances leading to her death, Ashok Kumar said: “The hotel officials and the management of the hostel where she lived were not convincing in their replies”.

A hotel spokesperson said Alena left for home that Friday after completing her shift at 3pm.

“Alena was alone in the room that evening. Her body was discovered by one of the roommates who went to the room and did not find her there. Her body was found hanging by the balcony grills. There was no suicide note found,” Mitu Basu, the corporate communications head of Leela Kempinski, said.

“We contacted her family immediately, and her brother took custody of the body. We have not noticed anything suspicious and we have done everything we could to help her family. The police are investigating the case.”

Mumbai police have kept her clothes and mobile phone for investigation, Ashok Kumar said.

Investigating officer, sub-inspector Vithal Salgaonkar of MIDC police station in Andheri, however, said the police investigation so far has ruled out any foul play.

“Her brother told us that as a child, she fell down from a tree and suffered brain injury. Her behaviour was a bit inconsistent, and she showed strong mood swings. Her roommates also confirmed that,” the officer said.

He said her roommates claimed that Alena aspired to be an airhostess, and seemed very upset after she failed in the job interviews she appeared for recently.

They also mentioned that she had a boyfriend in the Northeast with whom she often quarrelled over phone.

The door to Alena’s room was bolted from inside and had to be broken. Her roommates said they had called her for dinner around 9pm that day, but she refused to go saying she had a stomach upset,” Salgaonkar said.

Alena leaves behind her parents, an elder brother, a young brother and a sister.

Source: The Telegraph

HSLC '08 Results

2008-05-23T12:36:00.003+05:30

Private schools continue steal the show:

Imphal, May 22: Scoring a total mark of 601, Romen Chongtham of St Joseph's School, Sangaiprou topped this year's High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) Examination 2008conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur.

Sanasam Sangita of St George High School, Wangkhei missed the top spot by a single mark.

The third position was bagged by Chetanbala Hijam of Nirmalabas School, Imphal with a total score of 597 .

The overall pass percentage is the highest in the last five years.

This year's result made a considerable improvement at 58 percent over last year's 52 percent.

The pass percentage for male candidates is 67 percent while that of the females is 56percent.

As per the merit list, Catholic School, Canchipur and St Joseph's School, Sangaiprou performed the best producing seven and six position holders respectively in the top 25 .

St George High School, Wangkhei and Don Bosco School, Imphal produced three position holders each in the top 25 .

For English subject, Sanasam Sangita and Yumnam Alfred, both belonging to St George High School, Wangkhei scored the highest mark at 91 .

The highest mark in Mathematics was jointly scored by Neerajkumar Sharma Manohar of St Joseph's School, Sangaiprou and Pritam Lourembam of Universal Students' Academy, Singjamei at 99 .

For Science subject, Charan Kumar Asem of Catholic School, Canchipur scored the highest mark of 146 .

Scoring 100 out of 100, Tanushree Lourembam of Catholic School got the highest mark in Computer Science.

For Higher Mathematics, Romen Chongtham and Ronald Kungsaomakbou Abonmei, both of St Joseph's School, Sangaiprou are the joint top scorers at 99 .

Pushpanjali Takhellambam of Little Flower School got the highest mark in Manipuri at 92.

In Commerce, Babita Choudhary of Guru Nanak Public School, Imphal, Koijam Korou Shen of St Joseph's School, Md Irshad Khan of Emmanuel English School, Haipi, Keithelmanbi, Shivani Jain of Guru Nanak Public School and Thangminlien Haokip of St Mary's High School, Churachandpur scored 88 each as top scorers.

In a marked departure from the previous trend in which schools located in greater Imphal area wholly dominated the top section of the merit list, many schools located in rural areas and other districts made a daring challenge to the Imphal based schools producing as many as six students in the top 25 .

These promising schools include Bethel English School, Nambol Chingmang, St John's English High school, Nambol, SurRashi Elite School, Mayang Imphal, L Ibomcha Standard English School, Icham Khunou, St Mary's High School, Churachandpur and KM Blooming English School, Khangabok.

Toppers' choice: It was because of the ceaseless support of family members, influential guidance from teachers, hardwork of the self, and above all, blessing of the Almighty that helped collectively in reaping fruit as toppers, echoed the top three position holders of this year's HSLC examination declared this afternoon.

Romen Chongtham of St Joesph's School, Sangaiprou bagged first position, while second and third position went to Sanasam Sangita Devi of St George High School, Wangkhei and Chetanbala Hijam of Nirmalabas School, Imphal respectively.

Romen while talking to The Sangai Express conveyed his desire to continue study in science stream at Delhi Public School, while Sangita and Chetanbala too shared their wishes to pursue in science but in a private school of the State.

Romen said that he aspires to become a computer software engineer through IIT and wishes to change the stream to MBA after completion of his engineering degree.

Sangita said that she too aims to join the country's premier technical institute and become an electronics engineer.

However, Chetanbala said she wants to serve the State by becoming a doctor.

Apart from study, Romen said, he loves computer game and basketball, while Chetanbala said that she loves watching soccer.

Brazillian stars Ronaldo and Kaka are her favourites, she added.

Sangita said she would want to enjoy some soothing music during her free time.

Romen is the only son of Chongtham Rajen and Chongtham (O) Gambhini of Sagolband Moirang Hanuba Maning Leirak, while Sangita is the daughter of Sanasam Radha and Sanasam (O) Yayai of Wangkhei laishram Leikai.

Chetanbala is the elder of the two daughters of Hijam Purneshwar and Hijam (O) Devdani of Thangmeiband Thingel Leikai.

Source: The Sangai Express

Focus on Loktak Lake

2008-05-23T12:31:00.001+05:30

Legislation in place to curb Atha-phum: MLA

Imphal, May 22: To prevent growing of Atha-Phum (artificially grown floating bio-masses) in Loktak lake again, a new legislation has already been enacted and implementation of the same started, MLA of Thanga Assembly Constituency T Mangibabu has informed.

Mangibabu was speaking at a reception function hosted in his honour at Thanga Khoirom Hill today.

The MLA has been recently felicitated with three awards, namely Bharat Excellence Award, Gems of India and North East Golden Personality Award in recognition of dedication to the service of the people.

The awards have been given by Friendship Forum of India and International Penguin Publishing House, New Delhi.

The reception function was hosted jointly by Thanga Artistes' Association and Reception Committee, Thanga Part-II.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Mangibabu, who was also the chief guest of the function, said along with completion of the task of removing Atha-Phum from Loktak lake, India Government has also sanctioned the compensation of Rs 13,000 to be each to each of the owners of the Atha-Phum based on the list of the number of Atha-Phums counted in 2006 .

Expressing unhappiness over detection of Atha-Phum growing again in the lake even as efforts are being made to clear off the compensation amounts to the owners of the Atha-Phums, the MLA announced that in order to prevent further growing of Atha-Phum, implementation of a new legislation has been put into place.

Speaking of other developmental activities in Thanga A/C, Mangibabu said would make the people privy to the developmental works he had taken up since his election as the MLA.

Under the ACA and PMGSY, roads and bridges have been developed, community hall and works on construction of community hall, crematorium and market shed from his MLA's fund have been started.

Arrangements have also been made to construct market sheds at four different places under the MDS, he said, while assuring that a theatre hall of Thanga Artistes' Association would also be constructed.

Major Ansary of 7 Assam Rifles, Thanga Post, who was also present at the occasion, congratulated the MLA on receiving three awards and appealed to the people for co-operation with the Assam Rifles.

Source: The Sangai Express

Deadly Cyclone in Myanmar

2008-05-23T12:24:00.002+05:30

Rotarians extend help for Nargis victims:

Imphal, May 22: In solidarity with the suffering of the people of Myanmar in the wake of cyclone Nargis devastating the low lying area of Irrawaddy Delta relief materials were handed over to Myanmarese authorities on behalf of 77 Rotary clubs from Rotary International District 3240 . The relief materials hand-over was initiated under the leadership of DG, Rtn Parbhat Kedia to convey solidarity with people of Myanmar in this hour of sorrow and bereavement.

The items including emergency medicines were delivered at Burma Border Trade Centre (Tamu), the official point of aid centre as volunteers are not permitted to reach the affect zone physically, said a release of Rotary Club.

Reports on radio, TV and official figure provided by the Myanmar authorities confirmed more than 1,34,000 killed or missing apart from a large section of the population rendered homeless, facing starvation and susceptible to disease outbreak since the cyclone hit the Delta on May 2-3 .

DG N Rtn Ajit Irom delivered the medicine packets on behalf of all the Rotarians from NE Region of India which was received by Aung Kyaw Hlain, Director of Border Trade Department.

"We came prepared to reach the delta with our specialist medical officers and para-medical team," said Rtn Dr Kh Palin, Managing Director of Shija Hospitals & Research Institute.

"I highly appreciate your good gesture of receiving our team so cordially even on your State holiday," chipped in Rtn.

L Surchandra Singh who is also the president of RC.

Other delegate members included Dr E Kuladhaja, Dr Chourajit, Dr MM Singh, Manoranjan with the Burmese side represented by Pol Commissar Lt Col Aung Htein, Soe Myint, Secretary Distt Peace & Development Council, who are bound to leave for the affected area to attend the victims.

"We are with you at this juncture.

I wish Burmese authorities accord Rotary International Relief Team to visit the devastated site with all possible medical and essential aids soon as our R.I.

District has over 250 specialist doctors out of which almost 60 have volunteered to go at intervals to attend to suffering people," conveyed DG Rtn Prabhat Kedia in his message to Burmese officials.

"We are the nearest Rotarians from NE region who cannot overlook the suffering of our brethren in distress.

More aid from our organization will be pouring in.

The moment we open our windows to South East Asia, the first glimpse we catch is of Myanmar.

We are apolitical, international humanitarian service based organization, we pray Burmese Government have a relook at their firm plan to go it alone and allow our Rotary International team to on humanitarian grounds" said Chairman PR Cell RC of Imphal RS Jassal.

Both sides had close interaction and the Burmese officials accepted the medicines with thanks reminding their faith in Indo-Myanmar friendship.

"Your point and concern will be conveyed to our capital," said Soe Mint.

DGN Ajit Irom read out names of nine clubs whose contributions along with Rotary club of Imphal have been delivered.

He said more clubs are dispatching their share to Imphal for onwards dispatch to Tamu.

This process will continue till our brothers across get stable to face the brunt of this disastrous calamity.

Secretary Rtn Phillindro thanked everybody who participated in the mission.

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal-Mao Economic Blockade

2008-05-23T12:14:00.002+05:30

40 Oil trucks damaged in stoning:

Imphal, May 22: Windshields of more than 40 goods trucks including oil tankers were broken in stoning by economic blockade supporters along the Imphal-Mao section of the NH-39 even as most of the oil pumps closed down today due to non-availability of stocks at the oil depots.

A truck transporting sand from Dimapur was also set ablaze by blockade supporters last night at around 8.30 pm at Tadubi.

The indefinite economic blockade along the NH-39 imposed by the Naga People`s Organisation, NPO, Senapati district commenced yesterday in protest against the state government`s failure to take up positive action in matters of PDS items and water supply even after its 24-hour district-wide bandh on May 20.

Reports said that truckers leaving Mao gate late yesterday afternoon with security escorts were caught in heavy stoning from the blockade supporters on their way from Tadubi to Senapati.

Windshields of more than 40 loaded trucks were shattered, reports said. There were no reports of human casualties though.

The security personnel escorting the vehicles did nothing to stop the stoning which greatly annoyed the truckers. They said they were not satisfied with the security forces who escorted them for namesake only.

The trucks were stranded at Mao gate due to the blockade which commenced immediately after the end of the 24-hour general strike on May 20.

In the meantime, most of the oil pumps in Imphal remained closed for the day. According to the oil pumps, it was due to unavailability of stocks even though the IFP witnessed many black marketeers selling petrol near the closed pumps.

Many black marketeers came out near the oil pumps with plenty of petrol containers and sold the petrol at higher rates.

Source: The Imphal Free Press

Truck torched, tankers vandalised:

Man with HIV/AIDS Develops Enlarged Breasts

2008-05-19T14:45:00.002+05:30

Dipsubaba's thoughts:

It is bizzare as well as tragic. Imagine a man suffering from HIV/AIDS would also have to face the emotional trauma of social indignity with his breasts starting to develop like that of a woman after taking ART drugs.

He must have cursed himself or the fate for contracting the fatal disease and now he will have to cope with something unusual.

Let's have a thought of the plight of the man, his name rightly not been disclosed by the media. A newspaper report described the insult he was subjected to by security personnel while frisking, making sneering remarks and even molested his breasts.

"Although the weather is simmering with summer heat, I cannot help wearing thick jackets just to cover up my enlarged breasts," he said, adding that he has been staying aloof from all social functions and religious ceremonies for the same embarrassing reason.

It could perhaps also be the first of its kind in the medical history of HIV/AIDS treatment. A study/research on how the unusual growth had taken place and how it could be avoided in future could be a boon to millions of patients suffering from the deadly disease.

But, he should be the ultimate decision maker whether he wants to subject himself to such a study. Because, human dignity is above new scientific achievement; in fact above any other thing in the universe.

Arms for Self Defence

2008-05-19T14:37:00.002+05:30

Heirok to study JK guidelines for SPOs:

Imphal, May 18: Sticking to its earlier proposition that it would oppose utilisation/engagement of SPO personnel in counter insurgency operations, the JAC formed in the aftermath of the Heirok firing incident has asserted it would closely study contents of SPO guidelines prior to accepting actual setting up of SPOs in Heirok.

Despite the renewed assertion of the JAC, the Government had set into motion recruitment exercises for enrolling 300 SPOs in Heirok village of Thoubal district.

Plans are also afoot to recruit 200 SPOs for deployment/stationing at Lilong Chajing.

It may be recalled that people of Heirok and Lilong Chajing had demanded weapons from the Government to protect themselves from unwanted elements following incidents of gun firing some months back that claimed the lives of four persons apart from injuring a teenage girl.

"The SPOs will only protect Heirok and its surrounding villages from rebels' threat.

We will, however study the guidelines being prescribed for SPOs of jammu and Kashmir and which is being intended for application in Heirok and Lilong Chajing and take a definite decision accordingly," said JAC secretary Laishram mandir.

"if we are satisfied with the guidelines we will accept setting up SPOs at our village," he opined while adding that "instead of SPOs we actually want them recruited as regular State force personnel so that a long term policy commensurate with our objective of self protection is realised".

It is also pertinent to add that atleast 460 youths of Heirok and nearby villages have already cleared the physical test for enrolment as SPOs which was conducted on may 5 under the direct supervision of the State's Director General of Police Y Joykumar Singh.

Source: The Sangai Express

Heirok seeks public support

Kangleipal Arrest

2008-05-15T14:18:00.001+05:30

General strike partially disturbs normal life:

Imphal, May 14: Normal life in the state was partially disturbed today due to the statewide general strike called by the Manipur Forward Youth Front, MAFYF demanding release of its president Sapamcha Kangleipal who was re-arrested and detained under the National Security Act, NSA yesterday.

In the meantime, after the torching of an oil tanker (MN01-6469) carrying kerosene oil by some suspected supporters of the ongoing ATSUM economic blockade at Lairouching along the NH-39 in Senapati yesterday at around 3 pm, snatching of registration books and other vehicular documents also continued on the highway.

The 24-hour general strike commenced from last midnight and ended at midnight tonight. During the general strike hours there were no reports of any untoward incidents.

Mention may be made that the MAFYF president, Kangleipal was released yesterday after sedition charges leveled against him were dropped by the court, but the police re-arrested him as he was detained under the NSA by an order of the district magistrate issued before he was produced before the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal west.

Denouncing the detention of their president amidst demands for unconditional release, the MAFYF announced a 24-hour general strike today which commenced from last midnight.

There were reports of some strike supporters coming out on the Imphal-Ukhrul road at Lamlai area in Imphal east district where the MAFYF, president hails from and disturbed the traffic by burning debris, tyres etc. But police foiled them later.

Commercial vehicles including passenger services of all kinds stayed off the road except a few light vehicles and two-wheelers in Imphal city. No inter-district passenger buses also arrived in the state capital.

The city wore a deserted look as all the shops, business establishments and private institutions including educational institutions remained closed for the day. Government institutions were seen open with less turn out of employees.

Normal life was partially disturbed in other district headquarters of the state due to non-arrival of the buses and other vehicles from the state capital.

On the other hand, suspected ATSUM highway blockade supporters today forcibly took away the registration books and other documents of two trucks but later the same for a truck from Senapati was handed over, a report reaching here said.

The empty trucks were leaving the state for collecting goods from outside the state amidst the blockade this morning. On the way suspected blockade supporters forcibly stop them at Kangpokpi and taken away registration book and other documents of a truck AS01-H-9579 and NL-07/A-0432.

However, the suspected blockade supporters later returned the documents of the truck NL-07/A-0432 apparently after coming to know that the truck owned by a man from Senapati district was reportedly going to Senapati.

The act of snatching of vehicle documents was also reported some days back at Mao gate but the documents were handed over to the truckers after the police recovered them.

The student body, ATSUM, has imposed a economic blockade since May 3 till 6 am of May 17.

A delayed report also said that a oil tanker was burnt down yesterday at around 3 pm by the suspected blockade supporters at Lairouching area. The front engine parts of the vehicle were damaged in the arson, a police report added.

The report further said that the oil tanker was parked there owing to mechanical failure since the last few days.

Meanwhile, the Asian Human Rights Commission has condmned the re-arrest of Sapamcha Kangleipal under the National Security Act and demanded his immediate release.

Source: The Imphal Free Press