Tag: National

AIZAWL, Aug 1 NNN: H.Zosangliana, senior journalist and former president of Mizoram Journalist’ Association (MJA) passed away today at 10:20 am in his residence at Zotlang, Aizawl.
The funeral service of H Zosangliana will held tomorrow to be conducted by Rev.Darchungnunga.
He was 58 and was survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
H Zosangliana was attached with several newspapers based in Mizoram.
He had joined the profession when he was still in college. Aizawl based daily Tawrhbawm was the first newspaper he had joined as a reporter and later became the editor of the same. He was also an editor-in-chief in the Evening Post. Till the time of his demise Zosangliana was working as the Contributing Editor in Zalen Sunday newspaper. Zosangliana was an MJA member since August 18, 1990 and became an Executive Committee Member of the MJA on March 28, 2008. He was elected the president of MJA on March 27, 2010.
A tonsil cancer was detected in 2006 at TATA Hospital, Mumbai where he was treated.
Meanwhile, the sudden demise of H. Zosangliana has brought a gloomy mood amongst the journalists of Assam particularly in the Barak Valley.
Secretary of Journalists’ Federation of Assam, Subir Dutta in a statement expressed shock and remembered the initiative taken by the then president of MJA during uneasy situation in 2010. Zosangliana had sent a team of journalists led by Zirliana and Vanlalrema Vantawl respectively to Silchar and due effective exchange of informations between MJA and JAFA the troubled situation settled immediately thereafter.
Subir Dutta added that the leadership of H. Zosangliana will be always remembered by the journalists of Assam.Nilotpol Choudhury, editor of The Mizoram Post, Sankar Dey, general secretary, Silchar Press Club, senior journalist J.L Choudhury and Shantanu Chakraborty expressed their condolences at the demise of H. Zosangliana and hoped that at this hour of grief the family members of the deceased will be bestowed with God’s mercy to have fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-scribe-passes-away/

IMPHAL, July 31 : Kuki Inpi, Manipur (KIM), the apex traditional institution of the Kukis in Manipur has urged the Prime Minister of India today to deliver justice to the 900 Kukis killed by the NSCN-IM in the 1990s before any possible agreement is made with the Naga outfit.
In a lengthy memorandum to the Prime Minister, the KIM said over 60 memoranda had been submitted to the past four Prime Ministers of India including PV Narasimha Rao, H. Deva Gowda, I.K Gujral and Atal Behari Vaypayee and now to the present Prime Minister to amicably settle in a proper court of law in order to have peace and justice and to bring about law and order.
If that is so, “the last rite of those 900 innocent people murdered could be performed, according to the Kukis’ traditional practice of the burial rite, and over the two decades mourning come to a close. Without settlement, the age old Kuki customary law of burial rite cannot be performed and therefore, the government of India is repeatedly requested to settle the matter of Kukis killed before any agreement made with the culprits”, the Kuki Inpi, Manipur said.
“Many memoranda submitted to the above mentioned Prime Ministers to perform the last burial rites for 900 people butchered have not been replied, except your assuring letter dated 15-12-2011 and that of the Honourable Union Minister (Home)’s letter of the 21st March, 2013, which gave us hope for the settlement of the matter regarding the 900 Kukis butchered, 360 villages uprooted, and one lakh people made refugees in their own land by the NSCN-IM, before any possible agreement made with the NSCN-IM,” the KIM memorandum stated.
It then said that very surprisingly, an Imphal daily The Sangai Express had reported on July 26, 2013 which said, “A highly placed source informed The Sangai Express that the state government was put under strong pressure by the Ministry of Home Affairs to give positive feedbacks and response on certain matters related to the government of India’s quest for a solution to vexed Naga issue”.
“If the above quoted statement is true which vividly signifies that you have not only ignored over 60 memoranda submitted to you and to the past Prime Ministers, Union Ministers (Home) and even to His Excellency, the President of India, but you have also ignored your own promise ‘For action as appropriate’. These two letters are enclosed here with few memoranda already been submitted and an “Open letter to Mr Th Muivah for peace” written on June 5, 2010 for your easy reference. Please note that Kukis are the people who stood firmly for all indigenous people of the present so called north east India gainst the British might, and saved the whole land by sacrificing thousands of lives and many leaders imprisoned in several prisons in India and abroad. The war remains unsettled till date. Kukis hate violence of any form but want peace restored by means of the law of the country,” the Kuki body pointed out.
“Therefore, we appeal urgently that the government of India should respect those 900 innocent Kukis killed by NSCN-IM not sparing children, women, aged, invalids and many village chiefs and settle their case before any possible agreement made with NSCN-IM. Any settlement negates the rights of other cannot be accepted. A settlement for one particular community should not be the beginning of problem for other communities living with it. Any settlement should be in line with peaceful co-existence to all people living in the north east India from time immemorial.
Less the settlement possibly be made will become the epic centre of social disharmony, which may cause a civil war much worse than the present chaotic situation in the whole north east India. The rights of all indigenous people must be equally respected,” the Kuki Inpi urged to the Prime Minister signed by its president Thangsei Haokip.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kim-urges-pm-to-solve-naga-problem/

DIMAPUR, July 30 NNN: The NSCN-IM has asked the Action Committee Against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) to exist as a pressure and not otherwise.
In the last few months, ACAUT has been resorting to different modes of movement against the unabated taxation imposed on the business community and the people by underground organisations in Nagaland. ACAUT had also held rallies and bandhs in Nagaland last month in Nagaland in this regard.
On Tuesday, reacting to ACAUT’s activities, the NSCN-IM said, “The menace of unabated taxation falling out of having too many nationalist groups in Nagalim and the pressure thereupon to the tax payer is regrettable. Thus, NSCN has been doing its own course of action to stop illegal taxation as well as unauthorized collection from within and without. It is of the concern to the general public that, when Action Committee against Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) was formed with an objective to stop multiple taxation, we have given our support and have extended as much cooperation as possible even beyond the demands made by ‘ACAUT’ yet the organization concern instead of responding with the spirit of oneness and camaraderie have been hurling salvo of unabated allegation without any standard of decency again and again”.
“As expected, when we try to correct the ‘ACAUT’ from prowling in an area of having political implication, the serpent surfaced in the form of N. George former CFMG/CFSB chairman backing up their adopted child in no time (refer: Nagaland Post, 30th July 2013). This has made us question the credibility and sincerity of ‘ACAUT’” the NSCN-IM added.
The NSCN-IM then advised ACAUT that the latter should know that, the struggle of the Nagas since its inception is not about economic sovereignty as you proudly profess but it is about political sovereignty which supersedes all. It is also senseless that you have blamed taxation as the reason for the increasing immoral activities in Naga society. It will be better if the members of ‘ACAUT’ should sometime move out from the cocoon of taxation and see the bigger reason behind such happening. While taking up the cause of multiple taxations, ‘ACAUT’ is advised not to get too excited in their adventure. And also it is to inform you that NSCN is never under any organization, the NSCN-IM stated.
“ACAUT, though, we shall continue to extend our cooperation must not in any way try to exert authority in the market but exist as a pressure group which we repeat, shall function “within its bounds and limits and not dilute its focus less the marauding adversaries turn them into another form of faction”. Let it also be known to all that, NSCN has a better thing to do then jumping in the bandwagon of press war which only fulfilled the purpose of the adversaries,” the NSCN-IM further stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-reacts-to-extortion-charges/

AIZAWL, July 30 NNN: The proposed total bandh of Aizawl on Tuesday was called off following the assurance of the Mizoram government to the Mizo Students Union (MSU) to hand over the task of recruiting government employees to the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC).
MSU lauded Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla today while taking to the media in Aizawl.
Mizo Students Union (MSU) had planned to impose total bandh of Aizawl today against state government’s failure to hand over the task of recruiting government employees to the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC).
The student body said that as per amendment of Regulations of Functions of Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC) in 2011, most of the recruitment is being transferred from MPSC to state government. The MSU is against this regulation of 2011 and now it is taking steps to reverse the ammendment of Regulations of Functions of the MPSC.
MSU had approaced the state government on several occasions but the latter had turned a deaf ear to the plea of the students’ body. Earlier, the MSU had resolved to carry out further bandh in every district headquarters if the government was not obliging to the demand of MSU and take necessary steps.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-bandh-called-off/

AIZAWL, July 29 NNN : Only two days to go for the expiry of the current term of the Suspension of Operation (SoO) between the Government of Mizoram and the Hmar Peoples Convention-Democratic (HPC-D) but till today no new development on the issue has come up after the July 18 talks stalemate between the two parties in Aizawl.
The HPC-D informed Newmai News Network this evening that there is no point of extending the SoO term if there is not going to be a concrete political talk.
“The HPC (D) strongly felt that extension of SoO in Mizoram has no meaning if the prospect for a meaningful political dialogue is not put in place. The democratic interests and aspirations of the Hmar peoples should not de downplayed by a negligent and irresponsible delay tactics. The Hmars’ aspirations is to justly secure the Constitutional promises, which otherwise has marginalized us,” the Hmar militant outfit stated.
It worth mentioning here that the Suspension of Operation’ (SoO) was signed few years ago between the two parties for six months. However, after signing the earlier SoO, the relation between the HPC-D and the Mizoram government experienced a rough sailing.
On July 18, both the parties had a political talks at Conference Hall, Tourist Lodge, Chaltlang, Aizawl. The Government of Mizoram side was led by Lalbiakzama, Joint Secretary to the Government of Mizoram (Home Department), Ramthlengliana, SP, CID (SB), Lalchungnunga, Additional deputy commissioner, Aizawl district, Lalhriatpuia, Deputy Secretary (Home), David H. Lalthangliana, OSD (Home), Laltanpuia Sailo, Inspector (Interpreter). The HPC (D) delegates was led by LT Hmar, Working Chairman HPC(D), Lalchhanhima, Council Member HPC(D), Lalthalien (delegate), Joseph R. Hmar (delegate), Lalmuanpuia Punte (Spokesperson), Rohringa (delegate) and Lalremruata Varte (delegate).
Lalbiakzama, the designated team leader representing the Government of Mizoram presided the meeting. He welcomed and thanked the HPC(D) delegates for attending the dialogue and also appreciated the efforts of the HPC(D) in finding an amicable solution to the problems of the Hmar peoples in Mizoram.
LT Hmar, Working Chairman, HPC(D) submitted the memorandum of the HPC(D) that was addressed to the Chief Minister of Mizoram. The same memorandum was also addressed to the Governor of Mizoram, the Union Home Minister and Joint Secretary (North East), Government of India.
The HPC(D) memorandum termed the July 27, 1994 Memorandum of Settlement (MoS)/ Peace Accord that was signed between the Government of Mizoram and the Hmar Peoples Convention (HPC) a hollow political instrument; and not accepted by the HPC(D). Nineteen years after the signing of the MoS, it has proved to the world that the document holds no water and does not stand to fulfil the aspirations of the Hmar peoples to secure their political future.
In pursuance of the unfinished agenda of the Hmar peoples, the HPC(D) is committed to find a lasting, dignified and acceptable political solution to the Hmar’s aspirations with thecreation of Hmar Autonomous District Council in the state of Mizoram within the scope of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This will be of mutual benefit and based on the long-term interest of both the Sinlung originated Hmar peoples and the Government of Mizoram, the HMAR outfit said.
The HPC(D) said it remains fully and firmly committed not to seek separation from Mizoram but rather seek to find a permanent solution to the protracted Hmar issue in Mizoram, which is compatible with the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. The HPC(D) firmly believes that to protect Hmar identity, culture, tradition, language, land, resources and to enhance political development and democratic decentralization in Mizoram, the only pragmatic option lies in the creation of Hmar Autonomous District Council.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/soo-with-militants/

AIZAWL, July 28 NNN: Mizo students are all set to impose total Aizawl bandh on July 30.
The Tuesday’s bandh will be imposed by Mizo Students Union (MSU) against state government’s failure to hand over the task of recruiting government employees to the Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC).
Leaders of the student body informed NNN that a total bandh will be imposed in and around the capital on coming July 30 and asked people’s cooperation in this regard.
The student body said that as per amendment of Regulations of Functions of Mizoram Public Service Commission (MPSC) in 2011, most of the recruitment is being transferred from MPSC to state government. The MSU is against this regulation of 2011 and now it is taking steps to reverse the ammendment of Regulations of Functions of the MPSC. MSU had approaced the state government on several occasions but the latter had turned a deaf ear to the plea of the students’ body.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-bandh-on-30/

New Delhi, July 28 (ANI): Prominent civil society activists have written to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and urged him not to introduce a bill to amend the Right to Information (RTI) Act without consulting the stakeholders as promised in Parliament.
The UPA government is considering amendment to the RTI Act to keep political parties out of its ambit.
Former National Advisory Council members Aruna Roy and Harsh Mander, along with RTI activists Shailesh Gandhi and Shekhar Singh, have written to Dr. Singh and warned that any amendment to the Act would further dampen the credibility of the Congress-led UPA government.
“India’s governance is going through a credibility crisis as never before, in which all sectors of governance and social formations have been suspect. The political establishment has come in for most severe criticism, just and unjust,” says the letter.
“Perhaps the only real argument for the credibility of the government continues to be the enactment and implementation of the RTI Act. It has been an entitlement which has kept the intent of a free and open system of governance afloat. The multiple uses of the Act to improve government functioning are so many that they defy enumeration. The use of the RTI is therefore seen as the one stated intent of the government to lay itself open to scrutiny, and therefore accountability,” the letter added.
It further said that the series of attempts to amend the Act, which have arisen periodically, have since 2006 been nullified to a large extent by public pressure as well as the political will of a part of the establishment and government.
“It is reported that the Government is considering the introduction of a bill in Parliament to amend the RTI law, as a sharp reaction to the recent Central Information Commission order, which declared six political parties to be public authorities under the RTI Act. Such a move to amend the Act will reinforce and confirm the suspicions of many that the political establishment intends to cover acts of corruption and arbitrary use of power,” it said.
The activists also said: “We, as citizens of India, empowered by the RTI Act, demand that it not be amended. The Act has enabled the making of informed choices and strengthened participatory democracy; by enabling the citizens of India to monitor and access services throughout the country. Any amendment to the RTI Act would undermine and weaken the process of realizing various constitutional promises. In 2009, when amendments were being proposed to the RTI Act, the concerned minister of the government had assured Parliament, in response to a question, that “Non- Governmental Organisations and Social activists will be consulted on the proposed amendments.” We would, therefore, expect the government to hold wide ranging public discussions before they think of amending the law in any way.”
“We are confident that the government will recognise the force of our demand and not take steps to amend and thereby dilute the Right to Information law, which has been acknowledged in India and abroad, as an affirmation of the right of Indian citizens to participate in, and monitor, democratic governance,” they added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/dont-amend-rti-act-without-consulting-ngos-activists-urge-pm/

SHILLONG, July 27 NNN: Meghalaya is rooted in a rich organic farming tradition and the central Government wants this tradition to be nurtured further so that Meghalaya can be branded as a “100 percent organic farming State.”
Under Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, JS Deepak, said there is immense trade potential for farm products cultivated organically. “Make Meghalaya into a State producing 100 percent organic farm product,” Deepak added.
He said there is a growing demand for organically produced goods in Europe and America and these markets have turned its eye towards India which is now focusing on organically produce farm items.
“In the past 10 years India has become as destination of organic farm produces for foreign markets in Europe and America and this market is growing 30 percent at annual compound rate. The export market is booming,” he informed a gathering of entrepreneurs here in Shillong.
The Under Secretary said that the Ministry of trade and commerce would also look into issues that come into the way in realizing States taking to organic farming.
He informed that there are 24 certificate centres in India authenticating organic farm produces, but none in the Northeast. Deepak said the Ministry would soon try set up a certificate centre in the region so that farmers have access to it. Citing the case of Lakadong turmeric and also other organic produces from Meghalaya, Deepak said, unless these products are certified by a certification agency about their organic origin they would not get the desired price at the all India level and also markets abroad.
Deepak said once the framers applies for the certificate there is a window period of three years after which the certificate is issued based on adherence of the criteria laid for issue of such certificates.
“Farmers must be encouraged to take up organic farming as there is a ready market and the Ministry would not only encourage but help such endeavors,” Deepak promised.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/make-meghalaya-100-organic-farming-state-centre-tells-state/

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, July 26: Manipur Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Thursday met the Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) K.H. Muniyappa in his office chamber at Nirmal Bhavan here to discuss about the establishment of Industrial Estates in every district of Manipur.
During the meeting, Union Minister assured the Manipur Minister for sanction of the establishment of Industrial Estates in six districts namely Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Chandel , Ukhrul and Churachandpur soon and the sanction for the remaining three districts namely, Imphal East, Senapati and Tamenglong during the latter part of the current year 2013-14, says Minister of Commerce and Industries Govindas Konthoujam here today.
He stated that the cost of the infrastructure development of each Industrial Estate would be Rs 10 crore. The Centre would sanction 80 pc of the cost for each Estate and the remaining 20 pc of the cost would be borne by the State. For construction of the work sheds in the Estate, the state Government had already approached to the North East Council.
The Union Minister also agreed in principle for establishment of a Fragrance and Flavor Development Centre in Manipur, after the Minister of Commerce and Industries had informed the Union Minister that there were many varities of aromatic plants as well as medicinal plants grown abundantly in Manipur, he added. The meeting was attended by
Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner (MSME) Amarendra Sinha of the Union Ministry, and Manipur Director of Industries B. John Tlangtinkhuma and OSD/MSME of Industries Department, Manipur Th. Saratkumar Singh accompanied the Manipur Minister.
Govindas inspected the renovation works of Manipur Panthoibi Emporium at Baba Kharak Singh Marg here. He asked the contractor to complete all renovation works by the end of August this year. He emphasized the need for renovate the Emporium with good quality materials and it should be a good look as it mirrored the State of Manipur in the national capital.
He instructed the contractor to modify the third floor of the emporium for accommodation of present set-up of the Manipur Information Centre, Delhi and to complete the work by 31st of August. He said that the first and second floors of the Emporium would be rented to Consortium of 22 Manipuri entrepreneurs for showcasing the high quality Manipuri handloom export items, under the guidance of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Export Promotion Approach of the Government of Manipur.
Govindas Konthoujam also met the Director General of Foreign Trade Dr Anup K. Pujari IAS here today and reminded him for inclusion of teak timber in the import list of the Indo-Myanmar Border Trade. He informed him that the State Government of Manipur was setting up a Timber Park to convert timbers into furniture to meet the demand of domestic and international markets.
The Director General of Foreign Trade asked his subordinates to issue the relevant order soon, said the Manipur Minister of Commerce and Industries. He also requested the Director General of Foreign Trade for inclusion of Nunga fish in the import list of the Border Trade.
For promotion of small and medium industries especially handloom sector in Manipur, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh , in his letter dated July 18, 2013, requested the Union Minister for Textiles Kavuru Samba Siva Rao for his personal intervention in sanctioning the project proposal amounting to Rs 6578.66 lakhs for implementation of 170 Minimum Economic Size Commercial Units in all nine districts of Manipur in order to provide employment as well as to increase the standard of living of the weavers. The project proposal already submitted to the Ministry of Textiles was prepared by the NEITCO, Guwahati with the guidance of the Ministry of DoNER and Textiles. The project aimed at the conversion of domestic handloom industry into a commercial handloom industry.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nine-industrial-estates-to-be-established-in-muniyappa/

IMPHAL, July 24 NNN: The Border Road Organisation (BRO) has assured that the repairing work on the sinking portion at Phesama along National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur road) near the Nagaland capital Kohima will be completed within two weeks depending on the condition of the weather.
Manipur Works minister Kh Ratankumar today visited the damaged site of the highway to oversee it. He was accompanied by officials of PWD including its Additional Chief Engineer (NH-2),  Principal Secretary (Works), Ram Muivah, Mao constituency MLA Dikho and members of Transporters and Drivers’ Forum.
Ratankumar while speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of the inspection visit said he has told the Commander, 15 BRTF to accelerate the repairing work being taken up at the sinking portion of NH-2 which has hit the people of Manipur.
Tejpal, Commander, 15 BRTF said the landslide occurred at the portion is about 175 m and the repairing work has been hampered by inclement weather.
He said only two hours can be worked per day at the site due to heavy rain and when the rain stops it is also difficult due to traffic movement by light vehicles along the stretch.
Tejpal said a culvert is also needed to construct there to support the site.
He assured that the repairing work will be finished within two weeks depending on the weather and the BRO has been told to start working day and night from Wednesday.
Later, Ratankumar inspected the 8 km long inter village road stretch from Mao to Kidima near the highway to arrange it as a temporary bypass route for transporters.
The minister said the inter village road is a narrow section and it is also a sloping area which may not be easy for loaded trucks to overtake. He, however, said goods laden vehicles carrying up to 10 tons can pass through it.
Ratankumar also said now empty heavy vehicles have started passing through the damaged portion at Phesima.
The Prime Minister is now upset by the bad condition of the Imphal-Jiribam road, the minister said, adding the construction works along the route now being taken up by the BRO is likely to hand over to the state PWD as a last option by the Centre.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nagaland-highway-to-be-repaired-within-two-weeks/

The President of India appointed Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Governor of Nagaland, as Governor of Manipur, (additional charge) when the incumbent, Gurbachan Jagat, Governor of Manipur, completes his tenure on 22nd July, 2013. Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Governor of Nagaland, will discharge the functions of the Governor of Manipur until regular arrangements are made.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nagaland-governor-given-charge-of-manipur/

Srinagar, July 20 (ANI): The Amarnath Yatra remained suspended for the second day on Saturday, as security authorities refused to lift the curfew imposed in sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir due to the tension arising out of the BSF firing in the Gool area of Ramban District earlier in the week.
The authorities said the suspension of the yatra has been done as a precautionary step.
So far, over 2.50 lakh pilgrims have participated in this year’s yatra to the naturally-formed ice lingam at the Amarnath cave in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
The state’s Director General of Police, Ashok Prasad, said restrictions imposed Friday morning would continue till Sunday evening.
Over 30 people were injured in clashes between security forces and stone pelting mobs in Srinagar city and other places in the Valley Friday where people defied curfew, blocked roads, pelted stones on passing vehicles and engaged security forces in sustained clashes.
Heavy deployment of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been made in Srinagar, Ganderbal, Badgam, Bandipora, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Baramulla and Kupwara districts Saturday to prevent violence.
All major road intersections in Srinagar have been blocked with coils of razor wire, cross parking of security force vehicles and makeshift barricades.
The district magistrate of Srinagar has said identity cards of those manning essential services and media would be treated as curfew passes by the security forces.
An emergency control room has been set up to facilitate passage of patients to hospitals during emergencies. The strategic Jammu-Srinagar highway remained closed for the third consecutive day Saturday.
BSF Inspector General (Frontier Jammu) Rajeev Krishna told reporters the BSF guards at the camp had opened fire to prevent looting of arms and ammunition.
Locals have dismissed the BSF explanation as ‘fabrication’ saying that the troopers had opened fire at peaceful protesters.
Four villagers were killed in the firing while 43 were wounded.
The state government has shifted the BSF camp from Dharam (Gool) village and the camp has been taken over by personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police.
An ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakhs and a government job to the next of kin of each of the deceased was announced by the state cabinet .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/amarnath-yatra-suspended-for-second-day-curfew-remains/

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI, July 19: Parliamentary Secretary of Tourism and Sports of Manipur Mairembam Prithviraj proposed to develop Moreh, border town in Manipur neighbouring Myanmar as mega tourist destination since it became an important place under India’s Look East Policy.
He was speaking at the National Conference of State Tourism Ministers today at Hotel ITC Maurya, Diplomat Enclave here with the Union Minister of Tourism Dr. K. Cheeranjeevi in the chair.
Narrating the request from the Manipuri communities in Myanmar to the Manipur Chief Manipur for the pilgrimage visit at Govindajee Temple in Imphal, Manipur in the recent Regional Business Conclave held at Mandalay in May this year ; Prithviraj drew the attention of the Central authorities for immediate opening of the Visa on arrival facilities at Moreh for Myanmar citizens. He further stated that Myanmarese patients usually came in Manipur for treatment. A team of doctors and attendants of Shija Hospitals and Research Institute, Imphal led by its Chairman cum Managing Director Dr. Kh. Palin also visited at Monywa in Myanmar and conducted operations on cleft lip patients during the Regional Business conclave in Monywa held in May this year.
In his speech, he highlighted that the state Government wanted to see the successful conclusion of three mega projects namely Integrated Mega Tourist Circuit at Khebaching, Marjing and Kaina; Provision of Tourist Infrastucture in and around Imphal City; and Loktak Lake. He said that revised Detailed Project Reports (DPR)s for Integrated Mega Tourist Circuit at Khebaching, Marjing and Kaina were submitted in September last year. DPR for providing Tourist Infrastucture in and around Imphal City at an approximate cost of Rs 50 crore was also submitted. He mentioned about the Loktak lake that Development of comprehensive Tourist infrastructure including tourist resort, integrated water sports and other tourist facilities in and around Sendra and Takmu abutting Loktak lake was prioritized for the year 2013-14 and DPR at an approximate amount of Rs 50 crore was also submitted to the Ministry of Tourism. He pursued to the Union Minister of Tourism for expediting sanction of the three mega projects at the earliest. He said, “These three projects are expected to change the face of tourism in Manipur”.
Prithviraj also urged the Union Minister of tourism for sanction of the projects prioritized for the year 2013-14. He said that DPRs for five destination projects namely Eco-Tourism cum Water Sports Complex at Maata Mualtam in Churachandpur District, Upgradation of Mughal Garden in Bisnupur District, Integrated tourist destination at Chingkheiching and its adjoining areas in Imphal East District, Integrated tourist destination at Shirui Hills and its adjoining areas in Ukhrul District, and Integrated tourist destination at Kotsophai, Chakpikarong in Chandel District; a mega project namely Development of tourist resort at Sendra hillock and water sports complex at Takmu and other tourist facilities; Manipur Sangai Festival 2013; Publicity and marketing; and Information technology project for promotion of Manipur tourism were already submitted to the Ministry.
He said that Ministry of Tourism also prioritized a Large Revenue Generating Project (LRGP) namely Cable Car and Ropeway from Sendra hillock to Thanga Island in Loktak lake for the year 2013-14. DPR at an approximate cost of Rs 80 crore was currently under financial vetting by National Institute of Finance Management, Faridabad.
Referring to the Mega circuit identified by TCS namely, Dimapur-Kohima-Mao Gate-Imphal-Loktak including Keibul Lamjao National Park- Imphal –Moreh-Imphal-Dimapur which was also a prioritized project for 2013-14; the Parliamentary Secretary requested the Ministry to expedite engagement of the State level Project Monitoring Agency for Manipur State.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/national-conference-of-state-tourism-ministers-held/

Paban Singh Ghatowar Chairs 62nd NEC Meeting
Mail News Service
Imphal, July 16 : The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and the Chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC), Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar has chaired the 62nd NEC Plenary Meetoday. The Members of the Council includes the Governors and the Chief Ministers of North Eastern States and their representatives.
On the occasion, Shri Ghatowar informed that his Ministry has launched a scheme named NLCPR (Central). The scheme is meant for major regional projects in the NE region with heavy investments to be implemented by the Central ministries from the accruals of NLCPR. The accruals under NLCPR now stands in excess of Rs. 10,000 crore. He said that his Ministry would be in a position to implement a power transmission project for Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated cost of Rs. 3,000 crore and the Turial Hydro electric project by NEEPCO in Mizoram for completion. The Minister requested the Planning Commission to provide adequate funds under NLCPR (Central) to take up such projects in the NE region.
He said that the B.K. Chaturvedi Committee on Restructuring of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) has recommended for making CSS more flexible and has asked the North Eastern Region. Shri Ghatowar requested the North Eastern States to ensure that they send their suggestions to the Planning Commission in respect of the recommendations of B.K. Chaturvedi Committee to make CSS more flexible.
Discussions were held on the various developmental activities taken up in the North East by different Ministries and Government organisations including the Ministries of Railways, Road Transport and Highways, Civil Aviation, Shipping (Waterways), Power, Communication and Information Technology, etc. Discussions were also held on the various livelihood projects initiated and implemented by different organisations like National Skill Development Corporation, Rubber, Spices, Coffee, Tea, National Horticulture Boards and the very relevant and crucial subject on disaster mitigation measures required to be taken in the seismically highly vulnerable NER to save lives and property during natural calamities. The Annual Plan and the Gross Budgetary Support of the North Eastern Council was also discussed.
The meeting was attended by Governors of AP, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura, Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Tripura, Sikkim, Manipur and Meghalaya, Members of the NE Council and other senior officials from the Central and the State Governments.

Highlight of some NEC new initiatives are:
• Annual Plan of NEC for Rs. 770.00 crs was approved for the Financial Year 2013-14.
• The Community Based Sustainable Livelihood Projects i.e, North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP), NERCORMP-III for Rs.540 crore is recommended by EFC. Tirap and Changlang districts (Arunachal Pradesh) and Chandel and Churachandpur districts (Manipur) will be covered under this phase.
• Transmission, Sub-Transmission and Distribution System in NE Region for Rs.11348.50 crore proposed to be taken up by PGCIL (Ministry of Power).
• Tourism Master Plan for NER prepared by TCS. Ministry of Tourism has accepted for implementation. State Level Project Management Agencies (SLPMAs) for each NE
States are being engaged by M/o Tourism for preparation of DPRs for the 9 identified circuits.
• Ministry of DoNER has launched a scheme named NLCPR (Central) which is meant for major regional projects in the NE region with heavy investments to be implemented by the central ministries from the accruals of NLCPR. The accruals under NLCPR now stands in excess of Rs.10,000 crore. Ministry of DoNER would be in a position to implement a power transmission project for Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh with an estimated cost of Rs.3,000 crore and the Turial Hydro electric project by NEEPCO in Mizoram for completion.
• NEC has invited Expression of Interests (EOI) for air connectivity of Lilabari, Shillong, Dimapur and Tezpur. In the meanwhile, with the intervention of the Member of the Planning Commission and NEC, Shri B.K. Chaturvedi, air service in Kolkata-Shillong sector has resumed by Alliance Air since 10th July, 2013 for 5 days in a week.
The Planning Commission has accorded in-principle approval and sanction for the following projects at the cost of Rs. 141.17 crore to be funded by the NEC. Rs.25.10 crores was already released during 2012-13 and the projects are in different stages of implementation.
i) Further up-gradation of safety and security infrastructure at Umroi Airport,
ii) Extension of Runway to 7500 feet and construction of Isolation bay and Taxi way at Dibrugarh Airport,
iii) Extension of Apron at Jorhat Airport,
iv) Construction of Boundary Wall surrounding the newly acquired land at Imphal Airport and
v) Construction of Hangars and Apron at LGBI Airport at Guwahati.
A study conducted through the AAI on improvement of air connectivity in the region has been completed and the draft report is being submitted shortly by the AAI.
The approval of the Planning Commission has also been received for
(i) Setting up of North Eastern Regional Multi-disciplinary Paramedical Institute, Dimapur, Nagaland for Rs.53.21 crores and
(ii) Setting up of Regional Nursing College, at Hapania (near Agartala), Tripura for 49.81 cr.
• NEC has approved for construction of a 498 seater Girl’s Hostel for Rs.14.65 crore inside the Jnanabharati Campus of the Bangalore University for students from the North East studying in the University. The University has agreed to provide the land free of cost and the hostel will be managed and run by the Bangalore University.
• To enable the unemployed youths specially the fairer gender from the North Eastern Region who possess strong innate caring and compassionate nature to pursue career in nursing, it is proposed that stipend or financial assistance be extended by NEC to the students who are pursuing nursing courses in Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery and General
Nursing Midwifery in institutions recognized by appropriate authority that are located in the North Eastern States.
• The NEC has also engaged third party agencies for evaluation of NEC funded projects. During 2012-13, a total number of 45 projects were entrusted to third party agencies for evaluation.
Some highlights of other important projects in the NER are:
• The railways have invested Rs.10,503 crs in the last 5 years completing 244 kms of new lines,738 kms of Gauge conversions and 20 kms of doubling. For the current financial year, the Ministry intends to invest Rs. 2498.00 crs.
• The council noted with concern the slow pace of progress of Railway projects due to paucity of funding.
• The council also noted the need for speedy implementation of the Road projects in the NER particularly Special Accelerated Road Development Project in the North East
• The Commodity Boards ( Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Spices) and National Horticulture Board appraised the Council about their activities in the North East and their future plans and Schemes to be implemented in the North East.
• The National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) also highlighted their activities in the North East and further programmes that can be taken up for skill development of the unemployed youths.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also highlighted a very relevant and crucial subject on disaster mitigation measures required to be taken in the seismically highly vulnerable NER to save lives and property during natural calamities.
Proposed institutional mechanism for nec projects
• Setting up a State North Eastern Council Fund Society by each NE State to receive funds from NEC, release funds to the implementing agencies and also carry out the functions of monitoring and reporting the progress of implementation of all NEC projects in these States.
• Engaging Regional Level Monitors (RLM) for effective monitoring of the implementation of various NEC funded projects.
Thrust areas for balanced development in ner
(a) Development of Cash Crops and fruits with focus on increasing the area of cultivation and productivity.
(b) Popularization of Science and Math for school children to promote science and technology related professional studies.
(c) Sponsoring youth for skill development for employment.
(d) Providing stipend to students for nursing courses in addition to existing eligible courses of study.
(e) Promotion of I.T. education in schools for students to have competitive edge for higher studies.
(f) Development/upgradation of District Industrial estates for promotion of value addition of locally available produces.
(g) Increase preparedness for natural disaster management and mitigation of hazards.
(h) Increase usage of remote sensing and GIS applications for planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/paban-singh-ghatowar-chairs-62nd-nec-meeting/

IMPHAL, July 16 NNN: The report of Supreme Court appointed ‘Commission on Extrajudicial Execution’ in Manipur that is now with the CSCHR member Extrajudicial Execution Victims’ Families Association, Manipur (EEVFAM), has made various recommendations like police commandos cannot be allowed to ‘terrorize people at will’ as they appear to be doing presently.
The report says there is no doubt that insurgency in Manipur state is a reality, but the continuous use of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for decades in the state has evidently had ‘little or no effect’ on the situation.
On the other hand, the six cases of extrajudicial killings, which have shown to be not real encounters, are egregious examples of the AFSPA’s gross abuse, it says.
Babaloo Loitongbam, executive director, Human Rights Alert (HRA) informed that the report of Supreme Court appointed Commission on Extrajudicial Execution in Manipur is now with EEVFAM. He said this during a media briefing at the HRA office here on Tuesday.
Citing the report, Babloo said the Jeevan Reddy Committee to review the AFSPA after its own hearings found that this Act had become “a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high-handedness.”
The report recommends that the Manipur administration has to be made more sensitive, proactive and responsive and that the police and policing have to be made more people-friendly.
He further cited the report recommending police commandos cannot be allowed to terrorize people at will as they appear to be doing presently.
The state level police complaint authorities should also have at least one member from the civil society and must review the functioning of the District Level Police Complaint
Authority on a quarterly basis, Babaloo mentioned the report as saying.
It is clear to the Commission that Manipur state police on its own is grossly inadequate to face the challenges before it, the report says and adds that therefore it is strongly
recommended that the Manipur Government draw up and implement a five-year plan for strengthening and training of the civil police in the state so as to altogether do away with the deployment of Union armed forces in aid of the civil power.
Babaloo also said EEVFAM will win justice as the six cases are in continuous progress and informed that the next hearing on the cases will be held in the apex court on August 6.
Representatives of EEVFAM are ready to present at the hearing in New Delhi, he added. The last hearing on the cases was held at Hotel Classic, Imphal from March 3-7 last year.
He also appealed to all who want to add their views and opinion to the recommendations to get in touch with HRA and EEVFAM.
EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam and family members of the victims were also present at the briefing.
The Supreme Court appointed Commission is headed by the former Lokayukta and retired Supreme Court Justice N Santosh Hegde, which includes the former Chief Election Commissioner, J.M. Lyngdoh, and the former DGP, Karnataka, Ajay Kumar Singh.
The apex court appointed the special high-powered commission of inquiry on January 4, 2013 to investigate the six cases from a list of 1528 cases submitted by EEVFAM.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/probe-finds-afspa-useless-in-fighting-insurgency/

MNS The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Saket Courts, New Delhi has convicted   Murari Lal, then SP, CBI and sentenced him to undergo four years Simple Imprisonment with total fine of Rs.5 Lakh 20 thousand in a bribery case.
A case was registered by CBI on 12.08.1999 U/s 120 B IPC r/w sec 7, 8 & 9 of Prevention of Corruption Act, against Murari Lal, the then SP, CBI; then Dy. S.P. and others on
the allegation that the accused persons were acting as middlemen between suspects / accused persons of some cases under investigation in CBI and the concerned Investigating
Officers/ Law Officers, with a criminal conspiracy to subvert investigation of such cases by influencing the IO / Law Officers in favour of the accused persons. In the process, the accused had allegedly accepted huge amounts as illegal gratification for such IOs/ Legal Officers and for themselves.
After thorough investigation, CBI filed a charge sheet against Murari Lal, the then SP, CBI and the then Dy. S.P, U/s 120 B IPC r/w sec 8 & 9 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The then Dy SP died during trial and the proceedings against him were abated.
The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-officials-to-go-to-jail/

Lucknow, July 14 (ANI): Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati here today said that her party would extend support for formation of Telangana.
“Right from the beginning we have been in favour of a separate state of Telangana. We will support any positive decision by Centre,” Mayawati told media here.
The Core Group of the Congress which met in New Delhi on Friday to discuss the creation of a separate Telengana state, has communicated the outcome to the Congress Working Committee, the party’s highest decision making body, which will now take a final call on the issue.
Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh, who is in-charge for Andhra Pradesh, had earlier said a decision will be taken in the working committee meet.
He said the party had held wide consultations with all political leaders and the Core Group had heard Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana and Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on the issue.
“Congress Party has held widest consultations with all political parties, with all leaders and finally the Core Group has now met the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and the PCC President before taking a final view. And therefore now, the Congress Party will call the working committee and take a decision,” he said.
Digvijay Singh earlier on Thursday said that the Centre has to consult UPA partners and opposition parties, as the decision might require amendments to the Constitution.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other senior Cabinet ministers and leaders from the ruling party’s attended the core group meeting.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had on Wednesday said the consultations on the demand for a separate Telangana were still on and it would take time for arriving at a decision.
“How can I make a comment on the core group’s plan? There is a high command which will take a decision,” he said, when asked whether a decision was expected from the Congress Core Group.
Congress MPs from Telangana have so far accused the Centre of following what they call a ‘one-step-forward-two-backward’ approach when it comes to addressing their demand for a separate state.
The Centre’s flip-flop over the issue began in December 2009 when the then Home Minister P. Chidambaram promised the formation of a new state only to go back on it after a few days.
The issue was later pushed before a committee headed by Justice B.N. Srikrishna. This panel did not come up with a tangible solution, but instead presented six options.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bsp-will-support-formation-of-telangana-mayawati/

AIZAWL, July 14 NNN: A geologist from Mizoram Dr Lallenmawia has informed that Mizoram falls under category number one or ‘proven commercial productivity zone’ which roughly estimates there could be about 170 million metric tonnes of untapped crude reserves. The oil reserve could be even more and, if tapped, the state would witness an economic boom to the extent of earning a sobriquet of Kuwait of the Northeast India, the geologist said.
Meanwhile, Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla while having an interation recently with the Director, Oil India Limited B.N Talukdar had expressed his government is all out to co-operate in the exploration of oil in Mizoram.
The Mizoram chief minister is of the opinion for the speedy execution of works by oil companies to explore and utilise the same for the development and bring revenue to the state. Many oil companies have found out that Mizoram has huge oil deposits and exploration is also being carried out in some places in Mizoram.
Lal Thanhawla also informed Talukdar that his government is always ready to work with the oil company in their bid to explore and drill the hydrocardons reserves. Knowing that some of the areas may not be connected by road, the chief minister expressed that Mizoram will cooperate with the company in this regard too.
BN Talukdar apprised Lalthanhawla that exploration had already been done in Saitual and Thenzawl and for production of gas oil company also installed machine and other necessary equipments. He lauded the chief minister for his valuable assistance in the exploration and hoped that Cong govt in Mizoram will lend all necessary help in the future.
The chief minister was accompanied by Lok Sabha MP from Mizoram C.L Ruala.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-has-huge-oil-potention/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 13 : The All India Tribal Students Association, (AITSA) Delhi / Manipur, welcomes the demand for Meitei to return back to its original Mongoloid tribal family, after more than 60 years of being misled and wandering as a higher caste / general category.
K.Zou President of AITSA, and Convener, Mongoloid Peoples forum, stated that, if the cohesive existence of the people of Manipur, who were divided into Tribal, scheduled caste and general, after the merger of Manipur to the
Indian Union in 1949 can be restored by recognizing the general Meitei as scheduled tribe . The bold step taken by the STDCM, can turn Manipur into a tribal state like Nagaland, Mizoram etc, wherein, the state resources including employment can be equally divided within the various tribes and no particular tribe can take the lion’s share of the benefits. The Meitei Scheduled caste communities from Sekmai, Andhro, Khurkhur, Kotha, Phayeng, Chairel, etc, should also be included in the list of scheduled tribes. An ideal Manipur will emerge only when we can share and respect our rightful entitlement.
Debarring a tribal officer from availing his procedural course of promotion in the high office of the state secretariat will be done away when Manipur become a tribal state.
However, if the intention of the STDCM is merely for the purpose of getting the benefits of reservation in employment, UPSC, and begging for “loli pops” as a scheduled tribe community (the most backward and dishonored community in the country), it shall not be in the interest of the larger mongoloid tribal community. Mongoloid tribes of the Himalayan range are already reduced to a mere chinki / chini /pahari `scheduled tribe / caste / OBC in the country, psychology branded as unnatural Indian in the mainland. We are not beggar in our own land. We need our rightful share of entitlement (Quota) as people of Northeast Region and not as SC/ST/OBC alone.
K. Zou further stated that, reservation policy is more of a positive discrimination than a protection. A general candidate can get job all over the country but SC/ST can apply only in the central and the state in which they are recognized and not as a general candidate. As of now, a Meitei can apply job all over the country which will not be possible after recognizing them as ST .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/aitsa-supports-entry-of-meitei-into-st-fold/