National – Page 65 – Manipur News

Three public servants sentenced in separate cases of bribery

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 14: The Special Judge, Mirzapur, Ahmedabad has convicted Shri Dev Dutt Sharma, the then Asstt. Development Officer (Leather), Khadi & Village Industries Commission, Ahmedabad U/s 7 & 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988 in a bribery case and sentenced him to undergo three years imprisonment with a fine of Rs.10,000/-.
The investigation revealed that accused Dev Dutt Sharma, Asstt. Development Officer (Leather), Khadi & Village Industries Commission, Ahmedabad was caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 2,000/- from the complainant for showing official favour to complainant.
In another case, the Special Judge for CBI cases, Chennai has sentenced Sh. P.K. Chandrasekaran, the then Income Tax Officer, ward I (3), Tambaram, Chennai to undergo two years Rigorous Imprisonment with a fine of Rs.1,000/- in a bribery case. The accused was caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.1500/- from the complainant for releasing his refund of Rs.20,346/- for the Assessment Year 2007-2008.
In other case, the Special Judge for CBI cases, Jabalpur (MP) has sentenced Sh. P.L. Bhor, the then Branch Manager, LIC of India Damoh (MP) to undergo two years Rigorous Imprisonment with a total fine of Rs.10,000/- in a bribery case.
The accused was caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.5,000/- from the complainant for showing official favour in the settlement of the Death Claim in respect of Life Insurance Policies in favour of complainant’s nephew. The nephew of the complainant was the nominee and legal heir to the insurance benefits of his father who died.

Girl raped

Aizawl, Feb 13 NNN: A police personnel had raped a physically challenged girl in Mizoram, according to a delayed report received today.
The report said that a police constable posted at Lunglei Police Station identified as K.Lalrova (42), resident of Aizawl raped a physically challenged girl on the night of February 9 near Saikutihall in Lunglei, southern capital city of Mizoram. The police however, did not disclose the details of the victim. On learning about the incident, the accused K.Lalrova had been suspended and sent to Lunglei district jail, according to Lunglei Superintendent of Police (SP), Lallianmawia.
Meanwhile, as per the data available, from 2008 to October 2011, the Mizoram police have registered 639 cases of which 303 are rape cases.
In another incident, Kapmawia, a resident of Thingsul Tlangnuam, 16 kms from Aizawl on Sunday (February 12) stabbed his wife Vanlalthuami (42) to death. The accused had also tried to kill himself by stabbing himself with knife, but was stopped by the police.
Fumed with the incident, angry locality beat the accused black and blue because of which the latter was admitted to the hospital but succumbed to his injury.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/girl-raped/

No provision for army, paramilitary personnel to join IPS cadre : Narayanswamy

By N. Ibungochoubi
Puducherry, Feb 13 : Putting every speculation to an end regarding the much talked about lateral entry into Indian Police Service (IPS) from para-military and Indian Army, the Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) V Narayanasamy categorically stated that there is no provision for such a thing although many personnel from different services are taken on deputation for various national agencies.
The minister of state of PMO’s Office was replying to a specific question asked by this writer during the Editors’ Conference on Social Sector Issues organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) and held at Poducherry last week.
Earlier, there was an alternative policy floated and discussed at different levels to counter the armed political upheaval in Central India by the Maoists. The deployment of the Indian Army being ruled out to manage a vast area spread over 87 districts in five states, an idea was believed to have been mooted to take young officers from different para-military, specially the Indian Army as IPS officers, which also received critical observations from many corners including IPS Officers Association.
The PMO is believed to have even imagined and worked out a modality for a lateral entry policy setting certain criteria. With minimum five years of service and those below the age of thirty-five years and successfully undergone commando courses were among some of the criteria, which were doing the round.
V Narayanasamy also reiterated the highlights of major initiatives taken up by the UPA government. He said, the ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions brought landmark legislations to check corruption in the last two and half years. Besides the RTI, the Grievances Redressal and Whistleblowers’ Bill would confer right on every citizen to time bound delivery of goods and provision for services and redressal of grievances.
He categorically stated that the performances of bureaucrats will be seriously reviewed at different intervals.

Khurshid has already cleared his stand on Muslim reservation row : Anand

New Delhi , Feb 12 (ANI): With the Election Commission writing to President Pratibha Devisingh Patil against Salman Khurshid’s minority-quota remarks, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma on Sunday said the Law Minister has explained his position in the past, and added that the Congress Party has always respected the constitutional mandate.
Sharma, however, said it would not be appropriate for him to comment, as the matter is now with the President of the country. “The minister in the past has explained his position and the matter is with the President and it will not be appropriate for me to make any comment except to say that we as a government and a political party have always respected the constitutional mandate of the Election Commission. We have always adhered to the election code and the body code,” he said.
The Election Commission last night sought the “immediate and decisive” intervention of President Pratibha Devisingh Patil after it charged n Khurshid with “improper and unlawful” defiance of its orders under which he was censured for promising sub-quota for minorities.
President Patil has sent Election Commission’s complaint against Salman Khurshid to Prime Minister’s Office for appropriate action.

Electoral System Reform

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 11: National conference on electoral reforms began at Vishwa Yuvak Kendra (International Youth Centre),Chanakyapuri, New Delhi on Feb 10 last . Discussions on British Model First Past the Post (FPTP) were done and it was agreed to amend it. The participants were divided into three groups with ten panelists each and discussed about Proportionate Electoral System , Bicameral Parliament , Reservation, Threshold, Gerrymandering , Internal Party Democracy, Financing of Election, Right to Recall, Compulsory Voting, Pre-Poll or Post-Poll Alliances . CERI Nort East Convenor Dr. M. Nara Singh, Livnus Kindo and V.B. Rawat were among the panelists.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/electoral-system-reform/

Purandeswari for better coordination in education sector

Mail News Service
Puducherry, Feb 11: The Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari has appealed the State Governments to extend full cooperation for the betterment of education infrastructure in the Country. Addressing the All India Editors Conference on Social Sector Issues in Puducherry here today Dr. Purandeswari said education is a collective and cooperative responsibility of Union as well as all state governments.
The minister said in order to strengthen the elementary Education sector the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan norms have been revised to correspond with the provisions of the RTE Act. Emphasis is being given on sending higher enrolment of girl child under the Abhiyan.
She said by bringing a constitutional amendment in the form of Article 21A, the Right of children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 has become operative in the country w.e.f. April 2010.
She said the sharing of funds between the Centre and states was in the ratio of 50:50 during 11th plan period and now it is proposed to make 65:35 in between Centre and the State during the XII Plan.
She also spoke of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan(RSMA), a flagship programme to improve access to secondary education to all young persons according to norms through proximate locations and to ensure that no child is deprived of secondary education of satisfactory quality due to gender, socio economic, disability and other barriers.
The Minister referred to the Model School Scheme announced by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and said this scheme envisages providing quality education to talented rural students through setting up of 6000 model schools as a bench mark of excellence at block level at the school of one school per block. The scheme was launched in 2008-09 and is being implemented from 2009-10.
She said efforts are being made to improve the quality of teachers through the Teachers Eligibility Test(TET) and urged all the stake holders to ensure its success.
The Minister said 14 bills to bring about reform in Education Sector have been tabled in the Parliament. She also said that to ensure that only quality education through collaboration with foreign university and educational institutions is imparted in India a bill is already under the consideration of Parliament.
Purandeswari said at the time of Independence there were only 20 universities and 500 colleges which have increased to 611 universities and university-level institutions and 31,324 colleges since August 2011.
She said to face the challenges of 21st century, Government has taken a number of Initiatives during the XI Plan period which focus on improvement of access alongwith equity and excellence, adoption of state specific strategies, enhancing the relevance of higher education through curriculum reforms, vocationalisation, networking and use of Information Technology and distance education along with reforms in governance.
Expansion, inclusion, rapid improvement in quality by enhancing public spending, encouraging private initiatives and initiating the long overdue major institutional and policy reforms are at the core of these efforts, she added.
The Minister said with planned interventions and sustained efforts considerable progress has been made in the literacy area, The literacy rate in 2001 Census was 64.83 percent, which improved to 74.04 percent in 2011.Interestingly literacy rate has improved sharply among females as compared to males.
She expressed concern on the school dropout rate especially among the girl child in the transition period of primary to secondary education and said lack of proper toilet facilities and drinking water facilities in the rural areas are one of reasons to it. She said the issue is being taken up with the Ministry of Rural Development under the convergence programmes.
She said a National Vocational Education Qualifications Framework (NVEQF) is being developed as it will emphasize the importance of integration of vocational education and training and general education in all types of education and training.
It will provide a common reference frame work for linking various qualifications and setting common principles and guidelines for a nationally recognized qualifications system and to address the issues of skill shortage in various sectors.
She said it will be a unified system of national qualifications covering schools, Vocational education and Training Institutions as well as the Higher education Sector and would be useful in integrating education and training systems encouraging lifelong and continuing learning.

CBI to host t Interpol Global Programme on Anti-Corruption

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 11: The Central Bureau of Investigation will be hosting the first ever Interpol Global Programme on Anti-Corruption and Asset Recovery for Investigators and Prosecutors from 13th to 18th February, 2012 in CBI (HQ), Lodhi Road, New Delhi.
The programme is being inaugurated by Union Minister of State (PMO & Personnel) Shri V.Narayanasamy on Monday, 13th February, 2012.
This will be the first such International Training Programme of its kind for police officers, investigators and prosecutors of the Interpol member countries and will be jointly conducted by the Interpol’s Anti-Corruption Office (ACO) and the Central Bureau of Investigation.
The purpose of this Global Programme is to enhance the knowledge and skills of investigators and prosecutors in tracking assets of mass corruption, and making effective use of legal assistance in international and trans-border investigations.
This Programme will be attended by 30 police officers, investigators and prosecutors from various INTERPOL member countries from across the would, including Australia, Afghanistan, China, Hongkong, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Fiji, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Phillipines and India.
Various Sessions of the programme will be addressed by Senior officers of the Interpol & the CBI. Representatives of the UNODC, Senior Officers of the Enforcement Directorate, Experts from the American Bar Association, Chartered Accountants and Cyber Forensic experts will also share their experience expertise with the participants.

AMWJU representative in electoral reforms conference

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 10: A two day Nationanl Conference on Campaign for Electoral Reforms in India (CERI) began today at International Youth Centre, Chanakyapuri New Delhi. Former Kolkata , Punjab High Court , Chief Justice D.S. Tewatia was the Chief Guest .
All Manipur Working Journalist Union sent a representative N Noren of Sangai Express to take part in the conference.
In PR Electoral System any party can gain seats only in proportion to the percentage of votes that it gains.
There will not be any difference between the percentage of votes and the percentage of seats. Thus only parties with more percentage of voter support can come to power.
In PR System majority means more than 59% of votes. The other votes are not wasted. They are given to other candidates in order to provide representation to all voters in the assemblies and in the Parliarment. If parties are unable to gain more than 50% of votes they have to make qualitions of parties with similar ideologies before elections in order to influence voters.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/amwju-representative-in-electoral-reforms-conference/

We cannot defeat Maoists by forces: Jairam Ramesh

N Ibungochoubi
Mail News Service
Puducherry, Feb 10: The All India Editors’ Conference on Social Sector Issues organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Ministry of Information And Broadcasting in association with the government of Poducherry was inaugurated today.
The conference participated by over fifty delegates from different part of the country was inaugurated by Jairam Ramesh as the Chief Guest in the presence of, among others, Minister of state for PMO, V Narayanaswamy, Chief Minister N Rangaswamy, Lt Governor Dr Iqbal Singh, principal DG, PIB Neelam Kapoor.
Expressing concern over the Maoist movements in Central India, Minister Jairam Ramesh said that Forces of any strength cannot defeat the Maoist.
The Minister talked of a new philosophy of 3Ps to address the issues confronting the Maoists in central India.
The first being the intensification of political activities to address the day-to-day needs of the people.
The second being people’s concerns that affect their lives and the last being police and para military personnel. He said the combination of the three would check the movements.
The Minister said that the policy of the government is clear and the Union Home minister had invited anyone to talk whether they leave the guns and their ideologies or not.
He said, the Maoist menace can be taken head on by addressing the developmental concerns of the tribals, besides increasing the intensity of political activity. Giving the example of Junglemahal area in West Bengal, where intense political activity has forced the Maoists to take a back seat, the Minister said, people-centric welfare measures and better and sensitive administrative mechanisms are other necessary ways to deal with the naxal challenge, besides resorting to security measures through police and para-military forces. Dwelling in detail on the problems in dealing with Naxal violence, which has taken deep roots in 78 districts of the country, Shri Ramesh said, failure of politics and development were the reasons for the upsurge in violence. He said the centre will be redesigning and restructuring the rural development programmes and will make them more sensitive to the needs of the common man and particularly the tribal community. The Minister said, he is working on the institutionalization of the Concurrent Evaluation Network through the NGOs and research institutes at the Central and State level to get the regular feedback about the implementation of rural development schemes on the ground level. He said, the Ministry has already decided to open all rural schemes to CAG audit to bring about greater accountability and transparency. The Minister said, he is also planning to give more flexibility to the state governments and his target is that by 2017, the states will prioritize about 50 percent of all the rural schemes spending, besides enhancing the importance of neglected sectors like drinking water supply and sanitation.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister V Narayansamy said Poducherry has surpassed states including Kerala in the education sector.
He said, Poducherry is aiming to become education and health hub and tourism destination.
He said, Poducherry is the first state in the country to initiate a unique program of milk for every child besides the breakfast and midday meals for every child.
He also said that 25 kg of rice for everyone and 35 kg for underprivileged per month has been guaranteed.
“For the 13 lakh population and nearby states, Poducherry is an attraction as there are more than seven private medical and eight engineering colleges above the government institutions.
The government is seriously contemplating in establishing a Central Agricultural University and a state University,” Narayanasamy said.
He said that he is pained by the manner in which many of the Central sponsored schemes are implemented by the respective states. “The state has to be accountable and every programme will have to be brought under provision of CAG.”
He also cautioned the non performing bureaucrats and disclosed that the government is seriously considering the periodical review of the performance of IAS cadres, which will have implications on their career. Asking the media to provide valuable suggestions in this regard, he said, the role of the fourth state should not only be confined to criticizing the government, but they should also highlight the positive achievements. Lamenting over the siphoning of funds meant for schemes like health, education and sanitation by the vested interests, the Minister urged the regional media to play a pro-active role in exposing the corrupt.In his address, the Lt Governor of Puducherry Dr Iqbal Singh said, media makes democracy to function in its true spirit by informing the citizens about the developments in society. He said, editorial independence to pursue public interests is an essential facet for the press to lend credible voice for creating informed citizens.
The Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri N.Rangaswamy highlighted the various developmental measures initiated in the state for the welfare of the people. He expressed hope that the two-day deliberations will focus upon constructive schemes and decisions on social infrastructure facilities in a full-fledged manner.
In her address, the Principal D.G of Press Information Bureau, Ms Neelam Kapur said, the conference on Social Sector issues will provide an important opportunity to the representatives of the small and medium newspapers to interact with the policy makers. She said, the UPA government is implementing a large number of social sector programmes spanning various Ministries, which should be highlighted by the media so that the common man can reap their benefits.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/we-cannot-defeat-maoists-by-forces-jairam-ramesh/

DRDO Conducts Successful Test of Interceptor Missile

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 10: DRDO today conducted a successful test launch of the interceptor missile. DRDO’s Air Defence Missile AAD-05 has successfully hit the ballistic missile and destroyed it at a height of 15 kms off the Coast of Orissa near the Wheelers Island. A modified Prithvi missile mimicking the ballistic missile was launched at 1010 hrs from ITR Chandipur. Radars located at different locations tracked the incoming ballistic missile. Interceptor missile was ready to take-off at Wheelers Island. Guidance computers continuously computed the trajectory of the ballistic missile and launched AAD-05 Interceptor Missile at a precisely calculated time. With the target trajectory continuously updated by the radar, the onboard guidance computer guided the AAD-05 Interceptor Missile towards the target missile. The onboard radio frequency seeker identified the target missile, guided the AAD-05 Interceptor Missile close to the target missile, hit the target missile directly and destroyed it. Warhead also exploded and destroyed the target missile into pieces.
Radar and Electro Optic Tracking Systems (EOTS) have tracked the missile and also recorded the fragments of target missile falling into the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the finest missions where the interceptor has hit the incoming ballistic missile directly and destroyed it at a 15 kms altitude. The mission was carried out in the final deliverable user configuration mode.
India is the fifth nation to have these ballistic missile defence capabilities in the world.
Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat reviewed the total configuration and mission and also witnessed the launch. Shri Avinash Chander Chief Controller R&D (Missiles) and Shri P Venugopalan, Director DRDL carried out the flight readiness review of both the Target Missile and Interceptor Missile. Shri DS Reddy, Programme Director Air Defence System alongwith his team have carried out all the preparations for the launch successfully. Shri SP Dash, Director ITR, Dr SK Chaudhuri, Director RCI and other top DRDO scientists were present during the mission. The mission was also witnessed by the senior officials of three armed forces.
The Defence Minister Shri Ak Antony has congratulated all the scientists for the successful demonstration of ballistic missile defence.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/drdo-conducts-successful-test-of-interceptor-missile/

DoNER Minister Finalizes Five-Year Revitalization Plan of Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 9: In a significant development, the Board of Directors of Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati under the Chairmanship of Minister for Development of North Eastern Region ( DoNER), Sri Paban Singh Ghatowar finalized a five year revitalization plan in New Delhi on 30th January, 2012. The funding is expected at a total cost of Rs. 197 crores, the majority of which will be through North Eastern Council (NEC) of Ministry of DoNER and the rest through Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India and Government of Assam. Shri Paban Singh Ghatowar underlined the need to bring it at par with international standards to meet the future needs of the patients. The 4th Tripartite Agreement involving NEC, DAE and the Government of Assam was signed by Sri Paban Singh Ghatowar as Chairman of NEC. Sri P. P. Varma, the Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Assam. During this period a PET CT Scan Machine, Radiation Medicine Centre, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Second CT Simulator Machine, Micro-Vascular Surgery facilities will be introduced. The second unit of 100 bedded Guest House for patients will be constructed for the benefit of patients coming from the distant places of the North-Eastern Region. Additional Quarters for Grade – III Employees and Nurses and Deluxe Paying Cabin will be constructed to further augment the infrastructure facilities.
The DoNER Minister emphasized on prevention and early detection of cancer through public education and liberal distribution of Information, Education and
Communication materials through Gram Panchayat. The Secretary, Ministry of DoNER on behalf of the all the members of the Board, complimented the Director BBCI and the team for timely execution of the project and which helped the institute to treat 5022 cancer patients and examined 50400 patients in 2011.
The Board appreciated the role of Indian Council of Medical Research and Department Bio-Technology, Union Ministry of Science of Technology for releasing grants-in-aid to BBCI for various research projects.

The pharmaceutical laboratory that supplied the medicines has been sealed.
Surviving victims are battling for survival at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack .
State Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. A retired high court judge will conduct the probe, Orissa Chief Secretary B K Patnaik said.
Those affected by the hooch disaster would be provided free treatment,Patnaik said.

EC censures Khurshid

The Election Commission has censured Union Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid for his remarks on sub-quota for minorities, and said he violated the election code of conduct. According to the Election Commission, Khurshid violated the model code of conduct by making promise of nine percent sub-quota for minorities and that it expects him not to repeat such violations.
The poll panel said that being the Law Minister of the country, Khurshid should have been more careful and set an example for others. The Election Commission had earlier issued notice to Khurshid on a complaint by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that he violated the model code of conduct by announcing nine percent sub-quota for Muslims if the party was voted to power in Uttar Pradesh. Khurshid, however, later told the Election Commission that his remarks promising job quota for minorities was made as a Congress leader and not as a Union law minister or minorities minister.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ec-censures-khurshid/

PM says top priority for Dedicated Freight Corridor project

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 9: The Prime Minister has directed that the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project costing nearly one lakh crore rupees should be given the highest priority by Central Ministries and urged the State Governments to also do so. The project will connect a land mass over 3300 kilometers in the country and could prove to be a backbone of India’s economic transport facility. The Western corridor from Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust near Mumbai will be
1499 kilometers and will connect Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra with an exclusive high speed railway track. The Eastern Dedicated Freight
Corridor from Ludhiana to Dankuni will be 1839 kilometer long and will connect Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. A major part of Western
corridor will be funded with Japanese assistance and nearly two third of the Eastern corridor will be built with World Bank assistance. The Sonnagar- Dankuni section will be executed on PPP mode. Indian Railways is also investing a substantial amount in the Project.
In a meeting held in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Chief Secretaries and the representatives of the States assured the full cooperation of their state governments in taking forward this important project.
It was decided that Monitoring Committees will be constituted by the State Governments to resolve the issues relating to the Dedicated Freight Corridor project especially land-acquisition in an expeditious manner. The representatives of the nodal authority
Dedicated Freight Corridor Cooperation India Limited (DFCCIL) will be overseeing progress of work with the targeted project completion date being March 2017.
The DFCCIL has said that 67% of the land-acquisition has been completed through the Railway Amendment Act 2008 and as of now the project by and large is
on target. The Prime Minister’s Office will be closely monitoring progress of the project so that necessary action is taken in a time-bound manner.

Annual Sangai Cultural Evening

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 8: The Manipur Students’ Association Delhi (MSAD) is organising the annual cultural programme “Sangai Cultural Evening” 2012. The event will be held on the 3rd of March, 2012, at Dusshera Ground, Mukherjee Nagar, North Delhi-09, from 5:00 to 11 pm.
Events such as this, will keep us close to our cultural roots, and serve as a platform for us to assemble and realize our belongingness. The traditional ‘Thabal Chongba’ (Lamtagi Thabal) will be featured as the main attraction of this occasion.
MSAD also believes that cultural events planned for the evening would address cultural nostalgia among the Manipuri Diasporas and reaffirm Manipuri national identity. MSAD would appreciate participants who turned up for the programme in their respective customary attire.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/annual-sangai-cultural-evening/

Three UDLF (B) cadres shot dead

In a major operation based on specific information 33 Field Regiment of the Red Shield Division eliminated three cadres of United Democratic Liberation Front (Break away), UDLF (B) and apprehended one cadre. On specific information regarding presence of armed UDLF (B) militants at Upender Basti, Hailakandi, Assam, troops of 33 Field Regiment alongwith police launched an operation in the area. Seeing the Army the militants opened fire. The troops retaliated and in the ensuing gun fight three UDLF (B) cadres were killed and one cadre was injured. One AK 56 Rifle, one point 303 Rifle alongwith a large quantity of ammunition and magazines were recovered. The apprehended cadre was given first aid and handed over to the Police Station Ramnathpur, Hailakandi alongwith the mortal remain of the three.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-udlf-b-cadres-shot-dead/

“26/11 Mumbai Incident Changed Security Matrix” : Antony

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Feb 8:The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony spent two days with the Indian Navy on Feb 07-08,2012. The Defence Minister was given a glimpse of the expansive scope and scale of the Indian Navy’s annual Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) over the two day visit with the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral NirmalVerma and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral AK Chopra in company.
In the backdrop, were two completely networked fleets, widely dispersed across seas in the Indian Ocean, operating in a dense electronic environment to match their professional and technical proficiency. New platforms, weapons sensors, communication systems and tactics were being tested and tried to optimize the net combat power of the fleets. Over forty surface combatants of various classes, submarines and a large number of aircraft including UAVs are participating in the exercise. As would be the case in any operation of the twenty first century, the exercise had a jointmanship element as IAF aircraft such as AWACS, Sukhois, Mirages and Jaguars also participated.
‘No Limits’, the motto of INS Shivalik where the Defence Minister first landed, best described the scale of the Indian Naval operational exercise. The Defence Minister witnessed INS Shivalik execute, various evolutions including a ‘surface gun shoot’ and Jackstay with INS Shakti in copy book fashion. Incidentally, it maybe recalled that the Defence Minister had commissioned INS Shivalik on Apr 29, 2010 and Admiral Verma had commissioned INS Shakti on October 01, 2011. The integration of INS Shivalik and INS Shakti as fully operational components of the Eastern Fleet in such a short span of time reflected the efficiency and professionalism of Indian Navy’s training and operational methodology.
Whereas the quick integration of new ships was a reflection of the Indian Navy’s high standards of professionalism in operations and training, the sustenance of potency and combat efficiency of a couple of surface combatants over a few decades old, reflected the Indian Navy’s sound maintenance practices and technical prowess.
The transformation of the Indian Navy to a future ready network enabled force was epitomised in INS Shivalik but the Defence Minister also saw a reflection of the same on his visit to INS Viraat. INS Viraat, the Flag ship of the Western Fleet, demonstrated the power of a networked force as operational plots and pictures from remote sensors were transferred and collated in a flash to present a comprehensive picture of the Battlespace and effect optimal use of the weapons on board the various potent ships. The recently upgraded Sea Harriers proved their lethality with ranges extended by Air to Air refueling and BVR missiles. Su 30MKI aircraft, Mirages and Jaguars, being directed by an IAF AWACS, operating over sea for the first time tested the Air Defence capability of the INS Viraat even as the ships were operating in a Multi- threat scenario. During this battle the Defence Minister witnessed, first hand, the potency of the upgraded Sea Harriers particularly in the networked environment.
A critical part of Anti Missile Defence being Surface to Air Missiles (SAM), the Defence Minister witnessed the successful interception of a fast, low flying, Surface to Surface missile by a SAM. A clear night with a full moon laid an idyllic setting for this demonstration of power and professionalism.
The Defence Minister witnessed a successful and impressive launch of the Brahmos, supersonic long range anti shipping missile, from a recently up-graded Ranvir class destroyer. This was particularly satisfying as the launch of the missile was an affirmation of our indigenous weapon capabilities.
The Defence Minister also witnessed a full scale air power demonstration from INS Viraat with Seakings, Sea Harriers and Chetaks participating. Whilst on board INS Viraat, Shri Antony was also shown the reputed professionalism of the MARCOS as they carried out a precision landing on the flight deck in the middle of the sea using Combat Free Fall technique.
Addressing the ‘Viraatees’ he said he was “very very happy to be on India’s most prestigious INS Viraat” the Minister added that by early next year the Indian Navy is likely to operate one more aircraft carrier Vikramaditya and the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier some years later. Stating that 26/11 changed the security matrix he said that the entire nation now acknowledges the critical requirement of maritime security and the important role of the Indian Navy. Complementing the men on their professionalism, the Minister added “…wherever we go (abroad), Indian Navy is the most sought after service…numerous countries want more cooperation with the Indian Navy.
Acknowledging the difficult working conditions afloat, the Defence Minister said “I know how more ships alone is not important, your welfare is also very important. I assure you one by one we are improving your service conditions and living conditions”. The Minister assured the men that he would do “whatever is humanly possible” to improve the conditions of service. On completion of his two day visit, very happy with what he saw, Shri Antony said “The Indian Navy is increasing its capability to meet their ever increasing challenges and responsibility successfully. The country is proud of the capabilities and dedication of the Indian Navy”. He expressed his confidence in the IN by saying “We can be confident that maritime security including coastal security of our country is in the safe hands of the Indian Navy”.
TROPEX 2012 will continue over the next few days and the successful missile launches and interceptions, uninterrupted seamless operations in a networked condition with BVR interceptions herald the emergence of a capable and potent ‘future ready’ Indian Navy.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/2611-mumbai-incident-changed-security-matrix-antony/

Maldives President Waheed speaks to PM

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 8: The President of Maldives Dr. Mohammed Waheed spoke to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today after taking office. In a brief telephone call, he reaffirmed the special and close ties that Maldives has with India and said that he was committed to upholding the Constitution of that country and the rule of law. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes to the President and said that India as always stood ready to provide any support or assistance that the people of the Maldives might require. The President said that he looked forward to an early opportunity of meeting the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said that he looked forward to such a meeting which would give both sides an opportunity to discuss the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. The Prime Minister conveyed his good wishes to the people of Maldives for peace, prosperity and stability in the country.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/maldives-president-waheed-speaks-to-pm/

Manipur festival celebrated

Mail News Service
Imphal, Feb 6: As part of the ongoing Manipur Kumhei, Bengaluru which started since 4th February 2012, a Manipuri Cultural Evening was organized at Glass House, Raj Bhavan, Bengaluru. The formal inaugural function of the evening was graced by the Governor of Karnataka Dr. HR Bhardwaj as Chief Guest and Shri D.S. Poonia, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur and Dr. R.K. Nimai, Commissioner, Arts and Culture as Guest of Honour and Dr. V. Ramakantha, IFS, Liaison Officer- Bengaluru, Government of Manipur as functional president of the function.
Delivering his speech Shri. D.S. Poonia, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur informed to the Manipur Diaspora settled and residing in Bengaluru to make use of the Liaison Office for the benefit of the Manipuri population residing in Bengaluru. He elaborated on the initiative of the Government to make the infrastructure available in Manipur so that Manipur is developed into an ideal investment destination. Giving stress on the IT sector, he said it is well known that Bengaluru is the Silicon Valley of India and the Manipur Government is open to ideas and suggestions from experts based in Bengaluru. Mentioning of the excellent Air Connectivity, he quoted it is now possible for any individual travelling from Bengaluru to be in Imphal by noon if started in the morning. Manipur today has approximately 14 flights landing and taking off from Tulihal Airport. He invited tourist to avail of the excellent air connectivity and explore the rich culture and heritage of the state.
His Excellency, The Governor of Manipur Dr. HR Bhardwaj recollected his old association with the North Eastern part of India in various capacities he has been in early days. He highlighted the huge potential of the State of Manipur.
The evening was followed by a grand show of Manipur Cultural Programme. The crowds were enthralled by the richness of the culture and vibrant dances of the state.
From Manipur, the event is participated by Planning Department, Arts and Culture, Tourism Department, Manipur Development Society, IT Department of Government of Manipur and Shija Hospitals and Research Institute.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-festival-celebrated/

Cement companies flouting rules

Shillong, Feb 6 NNN : Action against the eight cement companies alleged of flouting the forest and environment norms has been further delayed. The delay is due to the Central empowered committee (CEC) directives to the government of Meghalaya to constitute a Joint investigation committee (JIC) to re-examine the findings of the state constituted High level committee (KLC) findings that indicted eight cement plants operating in Jaintia Hills district of meghalya of breaching the laid norms.
The state constituted High level committee (HCL) findings submission in November 2011 categorically stated the cement industries have encroached on forest land while exploiting the raw materials.
The Congress led government has not taken action on the basis of the report. However, the Meghalaya minister in charge of forest and environment Prestone Tynsong instead told news persons in Shillong on Monday that joint investigation committee (JIC) comprising of state chief conservator of forest (CCF) and additional principal chief conservator of forest (APPCF) from the union ministry of forest and environment (MoEF) Regional Office has been constituted to re-examine into the allegations.
Tynsong stated, “Inspite of the HLC findings the central empowered committee felt that the state constituted HLC is not competent enough to define the forest area”.
“The JIC will re-verify and redefine such forest lands that were used and submit the report of the findings at the earliest”, further stated Tynsong, besides indicating that the report of the HLC is now redundant.
The constitution of a new committee involving thes tate chief conservator of forest (CCF) and additional principal chief conservator of forest (APPCF) from the union ministry of forest and environment (MoEF) came a s body blow to environmental organizations in Meghalya,particularly those who have been vocal in calling for an immediate ban on mining of limestone in the forest located under Khliehriat sub-division.
On Monday, the member of the Mait Shaphrang Movement met the State Minister in charge of Forest and environment Prestone Tynsong to demand for an immediate end to the alleged abuse of forest lands by the cement companies. Convener of mait shaphrang movement Michael Syiem bemoan on hearing about the constitution of another committee, saying that another exercise will only allow the cement companies to plunder the forest resources.
The eight cement companies which allegedly flouted the environmental and other laid norms includes, Cement Manufacture Co Ltd (Star Cement), Meghalaya Cement Ltd. (TOPCEM), Adhunik Cement Ltd., JUD Cement Private Ltd., Hill Cement Company Ltd., Goldstone Cement Ltd., Green Valley Industries Ltd., and Amrit Cement Industries Ltd.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cement-companies-flouting-rules/

Mizo women use tobacco

Aizawl, Feb 6 NNN : As per latest data available, 62% of Mizo women consume tobacco products of any kind in Mizoram. The data has been prepared by Mizoram State Cancer Society.
Dr. Jeremy L Pautu, Director of the Mizoram State Cancer Institute informed NNN that due to numbers of tobacco users among women, ovarian cancer is very much popular.
Tobacco also causes other types of cancer among the women folks, added Dr. Jeremy.
While the trend is 62% in Mizoram, West Bengal and Manipur stand at 28% and 25% regarding the women who use tobacco products.
In the meantime Dr. K Lalbiakzuala, Prog. Asst, MSCS had said that Mizoram had entered ‘cancer age’ which claims more lives than any other diseases. “People of the state must have true knowledge and have to be taken special attention for prevention of the diseases,” he warns.
Dr. Jeremy said that before the end of 2025, efforts has been made to decline cases of cancer by 25% across the country. “Six districts from Mizoram are included amongst the topmost 10 prevalent cancer cases in men which are Aizawl, Serchhip, Lunglei, Kolasib, Champhai, Mamit while for that of women include Aizawl, Serchhip, Kolasib, Lunglei,” said Dr Jeremy. Among men, stomach cancer is the most popular while in women lungs cancer and ovarian cancer are common in Mizoram state.
Meanwhile, tribals, who constitute 27 percent of the northeast’s total population of 45.50 million (2011 census) are traditionally heavy users of different types of tobacco products. According to the latest report of the union health and family welfare ministry, Mizoram (67.2 percent), Nagaland (56.8 percent) Tripura (55.9 percent) have the highest number of tobacco users in India.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizo-women-use-tobacco-2/