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The Lamka Times

Monday, May 31, 2010

National Institute of Technology, Manipur

National Institute of Technology, Manipur
Takyel, Imphal, Manipur
NOTIFICATION
Imphal, the 29th May, 2010
The Central Counselling Board (CCB) constituted by the Ministry of Human
Resource Development (MHRD) will be conducting first year B.E./B.Tech./ B.Arch. admission to selected Institutes (NITs IIITs etc.) for eligible candidates of AIEEE- 2010. The Headquarter of CCB is at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) Nagpur, and its website is : http:/www.ccb.nic.in. The list of participating Institutes and other details are available on this website. Candidates seeking admission through CCB are urged to read the details of the admission process carefully and to visit the website regularly for updates. The admission process is completely ONLINE and web-based; eligible candidates will have to fill in branch/institute choice only over the internet, and seat allotment too will be available only on the web at http:/www.ccb.nic.in. Candidates are requested to note that there will be no individual communication with any candidate at any stage in respect of this admission process. Help Centres have been set up at all the participating institutes to give guidance on registration and choice filling. For the candidates of this region, the nearest Help Centre (s) is at National Institute of Technology, Manipur (NIT Manipur), located inside the campus of Government Polytechnic, Takyelpat, Imphal.
Sd/- Kh. Rajchandra Singh, Controller, Tecchnical Education For Registrar, NIT, Agartala

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Oil tanker turns turtle, blocks other vehicles Tension grips Noney post police action

The over turned oil tanker on NH-53, blocking the passage of other vehicles IMPHAL, May 28(TSE) : Tension ran high in Noney today following the injuries caused to three persons in police action after an oil tanker turned turtle at Lu-khambi (Khumji) near No- ney along National High-way 53. Amid the confusion and tension following the mishap, the police reacted and resorted to firing. In condemnation of the incident and alleged inhuman act of the State forces, COPA, ZYF and NPMHR have also called a total bandh in Tamenglong district with effect from midnight of May 28 to midnight of June 3. Goods laden trucks and oil tankers were being escorted from Jiribam when one of the diesel tankers accidentally slipped and fell into a gorge. In the melee and confusion, the escort party opened blank fire and fired tear gas canisters causing injuries to three persons. The security personnel also allegedly assaulted some of the villagers. Following the incident, traffic along the National Highway has been blocked. On receiving the report of the incident, a media team from Imphal rushed to Noney to get a first hand account of the situation. Talking to the media team, the villagers informed that at around noon today the diesel tanker bearing registration number MN01-6458 was trailing behind the rest of 120 trucks/oil tankers being escorted from Jiribam when it turned turtle all by itself while climbing up the slope toward Lukhambi village. Seeing the condition of the oil tanker, the escort party resorted indiscriminate blank firing and tear gas canisters to disperse the innocent villagers who were presence in and around the area as well as in the ground of the village church. In the process, three persons sustained injuries, the villagers informed. The villagers said that they are not responsible for the bandh along the National Highway nor harbour enmity with anyone. So why should the security escort resort to firing their guns on the innocent villagers when the oil tanker met the accident by itself, the villagers questioned. They also demanded suspension/termination of the security personnel involved in the firing. The three persons who sustained injuries in the action of the security escort have been identified as Kamei Robinson (28), Ariang Riangmei (45) and Esther Kamei (18), all residents of Lukhambi. Ariang and Esther have been brought and admitted to RIMS here with the assistance of the 26 Assam Rifles. Ariang sustained injuries on her thigh while Esther on her hand. In protest against the action of the security escort comprising Police Commandos and IRB, a large number of angry villagers came out to the street of Noney Bazar. Vehicles that have left from Imphal today morning have also been forced to halt across the road, thus blocking traffic along the National Highway. In connection with the incident, DIG (Ops-II) LK Haokip, who has been stationed at Noney, informed that in hearing the report about an oil tanker being attacked with stones by blockade supporters at Lukhambi, a reinforcement team led by CO of 4 IRB rushed in and saw an oil tanker turning upside down and heard sound of firing. The DIG (OPs-II) said that he had submitted a detailed report of the incident to his higher officials and the DGP has assured that necessary action would be taken up against the guilty police commandos and IRB personnel. From the manner of the accident, the DIG (Ops-II) opined that it appeared to be the fault of the driver. The second driver of the ill-fated oil tanker identified as Nganthoi has also reportedly stated the same in his statements to the DIG, CO of 4 IRB, CO of 26 Assam Rifles and Longmai Area Nishaband Society. Noney village authority has also lodged a complaint with the Noney police station in connection with the incident. Talking to mediapersons, secretary of Longmai Area Nishaband Society Margaret Kamei made it cleared that the trucks that have been halted across the road would not be allowed to move until an amicable solution has been brought about. She demanded that the police commandos and the IRB personnel who were responsible for the indiscriminate firing should be suspended or terminated from service and deployment of security personnel including Army, commandos and IRB should be withdrawn from the National Highway. Meanwhile, police and Assam Rifles are reportedly trying to being about an amicable solution so as to remove the trucks/oil tankers that have been halted across the road. Condemning the incident, Rongmei Naga Council has demanded that adequate financial assistance should be given to the injured villagers. The Council has also appealed to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future. Extending its support to the total bandh, Naga Youth Front has also directed all its units to fully support the total bandh. Condemning the incident, All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured victims. United Naga Council (UNC) has also strongly condemned the incident and announced its decision of supporting the total bandh.

‘We Have Told Muivah Not To Enter Manipur’

From Tehelka Magazine, Vol 7, Issue 22, Dated June 05, 2010

MANIPUR HAS BEEN UNDER SIEGE FOR 46 DAYS. HOME SECRETARY Gopal Pillai TELLS SHOMA CHAUDHURY WHAT THE CENTRE IS DOING ABOUT THIS

imageManipur has been facing a severe economic blockade for 46 days. No food, no oxygen in hospitals, no medicines, no petrol. If Mumbai or Delhi had been similarly cut off, everything would have been done to resolve it. What about Manipur? How long do you think it will take to resolve this?
Of course, some immediate supplies like rice etc were airlifted from Assam into Manipur. Now National Highway 53 is also open. About four days ago, the first 85 trucks passed through. Then another batch of about 250 trucks came through. Now more trucks are reaching Jiribam [the border town with Assam]. So one can't say things are normalising, but I am hoping the situation will start to ease up soon.

But NH-53 opened up only because one minister took a private security detail and forced his way through. Why couldn't the state government have done that? What about NH-39? There are so many military and paramilitary forces in Manipur. Why weren't they deployed?
We have deployed some forces but it is a very politically charged situation and we did not want to aggravate the situation by taking any harsh measures. We have to lower the temperature step by step. The situation is very difficult because the blockade is not just in one place but in at least 2-3 places on NH-53 and over 10 places on NH-39 [the arterial road that runs through Nagaland]. There are over 2,000 women sitting on these roads. We did not want to lathi-charge them and create a fresh situation. Now, for example, we've put three companies of crpf at Mao Gate — they have replaced 600 Manipur state police. We have to create confidence among both the Nagas and the Meiteis. So, as I said, we have to take it step by step. But in the future, we are also thinking of raising a dedicated National Highway Protection force.

Chief Minister Ibobi Singh was a highly hated figure. Suddenly he's become popular, by not hesitating to use force. Is he not breaking the blockade to milk the situation politically?
Well, everyone's playing politics, but he's the biggest hero among the Meiteis just now. This is a highly emotive issue in Manipur, so it's not possible to ignore it.

Given the peace talks with the NSCN-IM, would you have liked Muivah to be allowed to visit his village in Manipur? Is the Centre pussy-footing on the issue, afraid they'll walk out of the talks?
No, we have told Muivah very explicitly that he's not welcome in Manipur just now, and asked him to withdraw from Viswema village and go to Dimapur or somewhere else. We are hoping he will do this very soon. Our position has also been very clear on the other issues of sovereignity and territorial integration that NScN-IM has raised. We have said no territorial integrity of any state — whether Manipur, Assam or Arunachal Pradesh — will be disturbed. That is non-negotiable. It is on this basis that talks have gone on. So the people of Manipur need not be disturbed that any one will break up the state. But there is still a big trust deficit between the Nagas and Meiteis so we have to tread carefully.

Talking of trust deficit, both you and the Union Home Minister had said AFSPA would be amended very substantially. Why did this fizzle out?
It's lying before the Cabinet with everyone's comments. Not everybody agrees with us, but that is why we rely on a Cabinet decision.

The Salwa Judum has been such a disaster in Chhattisgarh, yet Manipur DGP Joy Kumar is talking of raising one in Manipur. Are you okay with that?
This is the first time I am hearing of it. Manipur has the highest police-topopulation ratio in the country. Why would he need a Salwa Judum? He has over 4,000 new recruits training under him. Yes, too many policemen are doing VIp duty, we have recommended that he withdraw some of them and deploy them to protect ordinary people instead.

WRITER'S EMAIL
shoma@tehelka.com

Mizoram’s pay panel submits reports

AIZAWL, May 28: The Mizoram state Cabinet sub-committee on 6th pay recommendations submitted its report to Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.
The pay panel headed by Personal and Administrative Reforms Minister H Liansailova proposed on January 1, 2010 as the effective date, against the Fitment Committee's earlier proposal of January 1, 2006, without arrears.
Liansailova said the reports had been prepared in line with implementation of the sixth pay recommendations in states like Punjab, Haryana, Orissa, Meghalaya, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh and taking into consideration the proposals and grievances of as many as 84 service associations under the Mizoram government.
The sub-committee recommendations have excluded contractual and muster-roll employees, pensioners and employees of colleges and of law and judicial department.
While pointing out that certain privileges have been shown to Grade IV workers, who have no scope for promotion, the committee chairman made it clear that arrears would not be paid.
''Since the Government employees are the real stakeholders of the Government, who are aware of the Government's financial health, they are expected not to insist on getting arrears,'' Liansailova was quoted as saying by the official source. The Cabinet sub-committee was constituted on 12 January 2010, after the fitment committee's recommendations were not agreeable to certain groups of government employees. It had visited a number of states to study their pay structures. Liansailova said the 6th Pay Commission recommendations would be implemented on the basis of availability of fund. ''The Government will have to sacrifice a large amount of plan and non plan fund for payment of arrear and the enhanced pay as the Centre cannot be expected to give additional grant for meeting the expenses on implementation of the 6th Pay Commission Report,'' he added.  (Agencies)

2 hurt in Manipur police firing at Khumji village

injured_woman

DIMAPUR, MAY 28 (EMN): At least two women have been reported injured in another Manipur police firing at Khumji village in Tamenglong district of Manipur.

Another person was brutally assaulted with rifle butts, a release by the United Naga Council (UNC) reported.
According to the UNC release, the incident occurred on Friday, May 28, following a fuel tanker meeting with an accident in the area. The fuel tanker, headed for Imphal from Silchar, reportedly lost control at a turn at Khumji village and turned turtle on the road. However, without ascertaining the circumstances and on suspicion that the accident was a case of sabotage, the Manipur Commandos coming up from Imphal escorting empty trucks heading for Jiribam started firing indiscriminately on innocent bystanders who had gathered around the accident spot, the release said. Two women were injured in the firing, it reported – Ester (25), d/o Athui Kamei and student of Noney High School, was shot on the left thigh and Ariang Riamei (45) sustained injury on the lower limb.
The Manipur police commandos then reportedly barged into the house of one Robinson Kamei (25), s/o Keiramsunang Kamei and student of Noney High School, and severely assaulted him with rifle butts and kicks. 4 other villagers were also beaten for no reason, the release said.
The Newmai News Network reported injury to three women in the firing. It also reported that, on hearing of the incident, womenfolk of the area numbering around 500 blocked the road in protest. The womenfolk did not allow any vehicle including Assam Rifles crane to be used to recover the ill-fated truck that met with an accident, it said.
Meanwhile, voicing shock at the uncontrolled and unwarranted use of violent force by the Manipur State Armed forces, the UNC has said 'this unprovoked brutality is yet again a telling testimony of the psychological conditions of the Manipur State armed forces, whose trigger happy fingers and violent approach have found yet additional innocents and unarmed victims', adding that the 'panic ridden commandos' have now been 'let loose to cause havoc in civilian areas creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity'.
Holding the Manipur State Armed forces and the Manipur State Government responsible for all the atrocities that are being continuously committed on the Naga people, the Council further called upon all right thinking people and civil societies to condemn the dastardly act.
The United Naga Council also extended full support to the 6-day Tamenglong District Bandh called by the Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur, to protest the brutality as well as the protest rally scheduled at Tamenglong on May 29, 2010.
The All Naga Students Association, Manipur, has also strongly condemned the 'senseless act' of the Manipur forces and once again demanded that the IRB and commandoes should be immediately withdrawn from Naga areas.
It further informed that the injured are undergoing treatment at Imphal and appealed to all Nagas and well wishers to help the innocent victims




Another bandh for Manipur govt

Dimapur, May 28 (MExN):
The  All Naga Students' Association of Manipur today extended total support to  a bandh called by the Zeliangrong Students' Union of Manipur from the midnight of May 28, till 6:00 PM of June 3 in protest against the reported panic-firing of Manipur police commandoes  that left several people  injured  in Khumji village of Manipur's Tamenglong  district.
"The IRBs and commandoes who are on escort duty from Imphal to Jiribam started firing indiscriminately when one of the empty trucks accidentally overturned on the highway as it approached Humji village. Among the six people injured, Ms.  Ester Kamei, 25 years of age, daughter of Athui Kamei and Mrs. Ariang Riamei, 45 years of age, were hit by teargas canisters and sustained serious injury in their thigh  and  lower  limbs.
Another persons Mr. Robinson Kamei, 25 years of age, son of Keiramsurang Kamei was dragged out from his house and badly assaulted with rifle butt. And many others sustained injury due to lathi charge. They also fired tear gas and stunt bomb into the village damaging properties of the village," a note from the ANSAM stated. It was informed that the injured are undergoing treatments in Imphal. The ANSAM has appealed to all Nagas and well-wishers to help the victims.
"Once again, the Manipur state forces have demonstrated how sadistic it can be, at Khumji village. For how long will the Nagas bear this insult and senseless act of the Manipur IRBs and Police commandoes?," the ANSAM queried. The organization expresses deepest sympathy to the victims and wishes them speedy recovery. "We re-affirmed our demand that the IRBs and commandoes should be immediately withdrawn from Naga areas," the ANSAM added.  


Peace talks on Monday

Dimapur, May 28 (NNN): The NSCN-IM and the government of India will hold next round of talks on Monday in the Nagaland capital Kohima. Informing this to Newmai News Network tonight, the NSCN-IM sources said that the May 31 talks will be led by NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah and many senior members of the organization will take part.
Except for New Delhi's interlocutor in the talks and former Nagaland chief secretary R.S Pandey's name, it is still hard to figure out who are taking part in the Kohima talks from the government of India side. Agenda like the present imbroglio over Thuingaleng Muivah's proposed visit to Manipur will be tabled in Monday's talks. Earlier, the NSCN-IM had proposed New Delhi that the next round of talks will be held in "Naga country". It has been speculated that things will be ascertained about the much hyped proposed visit of Th Muivah to Manipur after Monday's parleys. The NSCN-IM is ever determined that Thuingaleng Muivah will visit Somdal in Ukhrul district. Th Muivah along with senior leaders of the group are still camping at Viswema near Manipur-Nagaland border. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in and around Kohima.



Womenfolk block convoy of trucks at Noney Four blockade supporters hurt; 360 goods trucks arrive

By Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 28: At least four persons including two women blocking NH-53 at Noney sustained injuries when police and security personnel fired rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of blockade supporters blocking the highway at Lukhambi near Noney today.

Meanwhile, out of 375 goods trucks escorted back from Jiribam by a combined force of 1st Bn Manipur Rifles and 5th IRB, 360 trucks arrived in Imphal today. The incident of blocking the highway took place at about 12.30 pm at Lukhambi near Noney, 67 km (41 miles) from Imphal on NH-53.

When the convoy reached Lukhambi area, the oil tanker met with an accident when blockade supporters started pelting stones at the trucks. Among the four injured persons, two were brought to RIMS Hospital late this evening. They are Ariyang (45), wife of late Ngamthar and Esther Kamei (25), daughter of Daphui Kamei. Ariyang sustained injury in the thigh while Esther sustained injuries in both legs.

As informed by the people who accompanied the injured persons, two other injured persons were treated at a clinic at Noney. One of the injured persons has been identified as K Bobinson (25), son of Kairansimang of Lukhambi village. The identity of the other injured person could not be ascertained.

Reports said that the womenfolk gathered in large number when police detained a villager near the place where the oil tanker met with accident. Detention of the villager added fuel to the anger of the womenfolk. It was only when top police officials intervened and held talks with the village elders, the womenfolk calmed down. The detained man was also released.
Officials of the police led by an IGP rushed to the spot and with security officials there efforted to negotiate with the womenfolk and subside the blocking the road and let the vehicle flow undisturbed. However, they refused which resulted in resorting security forces in firing tear gas and using other mob control devises to disperse them out and clear the route for the truckers.

Reports said that the NH-53 at Lukhambi area was under siege by around 500 women decrying the shooting to injure of the four persons by the rubber bullets. They also forced to back a crane from the Assam Rifles which was about to head to the place where the oil tanker met accident. Unable to cross the block place, the Crane turned back, reports said.

Reports also said that windshields of many trucks were smashed when blockade supporters pelted stones on the trucks coming from Jiribam with security escorts provided by the personnel of the 1st and 5th Manipur Rifles before the firing incident at Lukhambi took place.

The incident took place after 170 trucks have crossed the area and reached Imphal at about 9.30 am. The arrival of around 100 trucks delayed till afternoon as womenfolk totally blocked the road.
Among the freight trucks arrived Imphal 13 tankers with petrol, 19 tankers with diesel and 10 bullet tankers. The rest were ferrying essential items like food and others, police said.

It may be mention here that the Longmai Area Nishaband Society had in a statement yesterday while stating that society has been trying its best to defuse any misunderstanding and tension that may flare up during the economic blockade blamed the counter blockade in the valley areas.

It had stated that blockade is called for both hill and valley of the whole state. It is not targeting to any of the community as such and the society working for defusing any misunderstanding and tension that may flare up out of the economic blockade.

Friday, May 28, 2010

NSF to step up road blockade

KOHIMA, MAY 27(NPN):
Brushing aside the threat of a counter blockade by certain Karbi -based Meitei organization, the NSF today decided to intensify the ongoing bandh I on all the Manipur vehicles in Naga inhabited areas. The bandh was called due to non response for a public apology by Okram Ibobi Singh government for preventing the NSF from going to Oinam village for the May 7 Federal Assembly.
All those who spoke, expressed ire at the Ibobi government for not responding to the NSF demand of a public apology for insulting Nagas.
NSF President Mutsikhoyo Yhobu told the Nagaland Post here, today, that the federating units endorsed and extended full support to its decision. Achumbemo Kikon, a former NSF leader said there would be no backing out of the demand. Another NSF leader blamed the Ibobi government for the problem but assured that no innocent Meitei living in Nagaland would be harassed or harmed.
On the movement of hundreds of vehicles to Imphal through the NH-53, the NSF said some leaders of its subordinate body, ANSAM and its unit AZSU, were arrested while enforcing the bandh. More volunteers would be sent to enforce the bandh it said.
On the threat of counter-blockade by some Karbi-based organization, the NSF dismissed it as "stage managed" by the Manipuri community living in a few pockets in present Dima Haoji district of Assam. NSF said it was in touch with the "genuine organization" with whom a joint statement had recently been issued.
Altogether, representatives of 13 federating units and three subordinate bodies of the NSF attended the emergency Presidential Councils meeting held today.



State cabinet to discus new power structure for ADCs

Imphal, May 27(IFP): A state cabinet meeting will be convene tomorrow under the chair of chief minister at his official bunglow to recommend the Governof Manipur to summon the full budget session of the state which from the second week of next month.

The cabinet sitting will also among others discus the reconsideration of power structure of the ADCs, a source said.

According to a highly placed official source, special cabinet meeting of the SPF government is going to held at 2 pm tomorrow under the chairmanship of chief minister O Ibobi Singh at his official bungalow.

The source further mentioned that the propose cabinet meeting will going to discussed various agendas including summoning of full budget session of the state, filling up of posts for MPSC by direct recruitment, finalisation of the combined entrance test through MPSC for, MCS, MPS, MFS, and junior MCS, extension of service age of Manipur Home Guards and inhancement of their remunerations.

Amongst the agendas is also consideration of delegation of powers and functions of the Autonomous District Councils (Financial & Adminsitrative Powers  and entrusting schemes like MGNRES, NRHM, BADP, BRGF, IAY, School Education upto class-VIII, Health Care upto PHSC, MSSP etc.) and determination of pay and allowances of the chairman and members the District Councils, requirement of vehicles, drivers, office maintainances etc. per annum as per rules.

The official source further mentioned that the proposed state cabinet meeting tomorrow afternoon will also discus various other agendas which referred from the previous sitting the source added.

Prof. Khiangte conferred highest Mizo literary award

AIZAWL, MAY 27:  Pu Buanga Award 2010, the highest literary prize given every five years by Mizo Academy of Letters, Lunglei district has been conferred to  Dr. Laltluangliana  Khiangte, an accomplished playwright-dramatist, poet, scholar-critic, essayist, biographer and folklorist, who is professor of Mizo language and literature in the Mizoram University.

 The Award was given away by Dr. R Lalthangliana, MLA on May 21 last at the Auditorium of Art & Culture, Lunglei before an audience of admirers and writers.
Prof. Laltluangliana Khiangte who has achieved the distinction of being recognized as a playwright and poet, is also one of the most prominent writers and folklorists in Northeast.
He has taken the struggle among tribal society as his subject and fictionalized it, thus instituting a different genre especially in the field of playwriting. He has received many awards for his remarkable contribution to the development and growth of Mizo language and literature.
Born on June 28, 1961, Laltluangliana completed his Master Degree in 1984 in English Literature, Ph. D in 1991 and D.Litt. in 1999. He was a convenor of Civil Rights, and Relief & Development Committee and a former Executive member of North East India Christian Council.  
Dr. Khiangte has over 30 books, over 15 booklets, 20 plus edited books to his credit beaides presenting over 160 papers in seminars, workshops etc, of which, about 50 were written in English for the International, National, Regional programmes.
As scholar and researcher, he has published over 50 research papers and contributed more than 750 articles, essays, poems in different journals and magazines of the country, published in English, Hindi and Mizo. 
As a playwright & dramatist, he has written more than 30 plays (including short plays), out of which 17 plays have been published. Five of his plays, plus more than 10 of his essays and poems had been prescribed as texts for different stages of studies and has directed over ten plays.
His exemplary contribution in the field of playwriting and theatre direction has been recognized with the award of the Distinguished Playwright Award-2002, K Zawla Award-2007, Khuangchera Award, 2008 and two other National Awards, viz.  Rastriya Lok Bhasha Samman, 2003 and Bharat Adivasi Samman, 2005 for his patriotic contributions in the field of tribal langauges and literatures of NE.
As a distinguished writer, Dr. Khiangte's plays, articles and poems have been translated into Hindi, English, Bengali, Assamese and Kokborok languages. He has also been acclaimed as the Best Writer of Mizoram for the Year for 2002, 2003 and 2004.
The Award consisting of a special Scarf (Zochawi Diar), Citation, Trophy and a Cash prize of Rs. 5,000 is conferred in honor of pioneer Missionary Rev. JH Lorrain.
(Newmai News Network)



NSF to intensify agitation

KOHIMA, MAY 27(EMN): The Naga Students' Federation (NSF), which has been spearheading the total ban on the movement of Manipur registered vehicle within its jurisdiction,has resolved to intensify the ban till its demands are fulfilled by Manipur Government.
The decision to this effect was taken during its emergency Presidential Council meeting with Tribunal Members and Action Committee at the NSF conference Hall today, which was well attended by concerned Federating Units & Subordinate Units President/General Secretary.
NSF President Mutsikhoyo Yhobu informed that since the ongoing ban was imposed by the NSF it will not be lifted unless the Manipur Government fulfils their demand, i.e. tender public apology for restricting their entry into Naga inhabited areas of Manipur on May 3 and also removal of the armed Manipur police and commandos from the inter-state area.
Besides other issues, the NSF is learnt to have also deliberated about the 100-hour ultimatum and threat of counter blockade in Assam issued by the All Assam Manipur Students' Union with the support of 12 other organisation. The NSF president clarified that these were only petty organisations and maintained that the main organisations, including the Karbi Anglong Students' Union, were with the NSF and that they are fully aware of the situation prevailing here.
He further stated that the threat has been very well stage managed but said the student body would not be deterred with such threats.

DU seeks cooperation of NE commissioners

NEW DELHI , May, 27 (MIC): Prof. S.K. Vij, Dean of Students' Welfare, Delhi University convened a meeting  of all Resident Commissioners of North Eastern States on Tuesday last at 3 pm in the Registrar's Committee Room of Delhi University here in connection with the admission process to the undergraduate courses for the year 2010-11.

In the meeting, the Dean of Students Welfare sought the co-operation of all the Resident Commissioners of North Eastern States in the admission process of Delhi University which commences from 28th May 2010 till 11th June 2010, as large number of students from NE comes to seek admission in Delhi University .

The University authority also requested the Resident Commissioners to instruct the State Board of higher secondary education for sending a CD copy of the result of 12th class for verification of duplicate certificates or those downloaded from websites.

Prof S.K. Vij also requested the Resident Commissioners for interaction with the students from their respective states from time to time and to make them understand the cultural differences and cope with the new environment.

The Dean Students Welfare also sought help in the authentication of SC/ST certificates.   Request was made to the Resident Commissioners to instruct the concerned authority to issue SC/ST certificates with proper Signature, Seal, File No. etc. so that no mistake occurred in the admission.

Mention may be made that the Delhi University for the first time appointed a Deputy Dean of Students' Welfare to help the
students from the seven northeastern states during the admission process for various undergraduate courses for the session 2010-11.  Santacruz Naorem, who was from Manipur teaching physics in Hindu College, had been entrusted with the task of counseling and sorting out the problems of the students.

For information regarding the admission to various undergraduate courses in Delhi University, anyone from the North East States can contact DU Helpline numbers- 011- 27662507, 27662508, 24119832 and 24114634.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Tipaimukh Project going ahead: NHPC

NEW DELHI, May 25: NHPC, the country's largest hydro power producer, today said that 1,500MW Tipaimukh Dam Project in Manipur is going ahead, despite objections  from neighbouring Bangladesh which fears that rivers on its territory could be adversely impacted by the project.

"The Tipaimukh Project with an estimated cost of Rs 8,139 crore at September, 2008 price level would annually generate 3806 million units of power and is scheduled to be completed in a period of 87 months from the CCEA approval date," NHPC CMD S K Garg told reporters at the company's annual press conference.

He further said that recently a MoU has been signed amongst NHPC, SJVN Limited and Government of Manipur for formation of a joint venture company for implementation of the 1500 MW Tipaimukh Hydroelectric (Multipurpose) Project in Manipur. NHPC, SJVNL and Government of Manipur shall have a share holding of 69%, 26% and 5% respectively.

Regarding the objection to this project by Bangladesh, the NHPC CMD Garg said, "I have nothing to say. Our duty is only execution of this project." Incorporated as a joint venture company, Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Limited will execute the 66 MW Loktak Downstream Project in Manipur with a share holding of 74 % by NHPC and 26% by Government of Manipur.

NHPC has also signed agreements for preparation of DPRs of Chamkharchhu-I (670 MW) and Kuri-Gongri (1800 MW) HE Projects in Bhutan with the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The other agreements are for taking up additional investigations and preparation of uipdated detailed project reports for 1200 MW Tamanthi HE. Project and 642 MW Shwezaye HE Project in Myanmar as consultancy assignments; implementation agreement with Government of Arunachal Pradesh for India's largest hydroelectric project, the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower project.

NHPC DPRs of 600 MW Tawang-I & 800 MW Tawang-II in Arunachal Pradesh and 520 MW Teesta-IV in Sikkim to CEA for concurrence. CEA has accorded concurrence for Teesta-IV Project on 13th May 2010. It has adopted 8 more it is, 4 in J&K, 3 in Uttarakhand and 1 in Arunachal Pradesh, under National Skill Development Mission in addition to the 3 ITIs adopted earlier.

(The Sentinel)

Peace in Mizoram: A serious thought often taken lightly

The pride we take in highlighting our condition of peace will more often than not baffle the keen observer. Not only do we stretch the word peace to its absolute limit but alongside it development is painted into a colourful and attractive scenery hung on a wall that can barely take its weight.
Study the details of the painting and you find the Millennium Center, 88 percent literacy, the average helpful and considerate citizen, a long and tidy list of associations of all strengths and sizes, the average man's biblical vocabulary, the steady man of the church, the adidas, nike, puma etc showrooms, the latest bikes on the market, the trendy young and old in branded jeans and tee shirts, etc.
And the wall reflects generations of misguided policy, many incomplete projects of the past governments, the enormous unemployment, the huge gap between the rich and the others, the nonchalant attitude of the Christian public, the average man's constant sacrifice of values for money, the lack of a scientific temperament, young parents who are still being parented, the vision of a 2-year old, the sense of a horse, the appetite of someone who has fasted for weeks, etc.
That is why the painting on this dilapidated wall is such a huge consolation because there is no other way to make ourselves feel right or justified. So we glorify in the beauty of the painting which takes our attention away from the soon-to-crumble structure on which it rests.
Peace is not only a wonderful phenomenon to experience but extraordinary in the current state of affairs in the northeast. We are the only peaceful state in the whole of the northeast, oh wait there is Sikkim too. An amazing parallel between peace and development can be drawn and under most ordinary circumstances peace and development would be married but most unfortunately not in the case of Mizoram.
Over two decades of peace and there is a ghastly lack of reliable and dependable infrastructure. Several small time hydel projects most of which are gasping for breath to generate anything that resembles the light of day. The need for power in Mizoram stands at 120 MW and we have diesel engines chugging away alongside the hydel- based projects to generate a heart wrenching 20 MW. These are sights and sounds that you would probably come across in programmes like Fox history. Another 50 MW finds itself clambering over our territorial boundaries from states beyond. What about the remaining 70 MW? Well, 22 MW of this could have been easily covered by the 105 crore rupee thermal power plant planned, executed and successfully built at Bairabi. Don't jump the gun yet! It was an amazing accomplishment just before our folks at the helm of affairs realized that the fuel to run a thermal plant doesn't come with an annual budget that barely crosses the finishing line. Or is that doesn't cross the finishing line. And the latest I have heard is Aizawl is going to get a ropeway! While most tourist friendly countries use it for attracting customers we are going to address the congested traffic problems of the state capital. By the way a ropeway needs power to run it and I wouldn't be surprised if our citizens are found suspended midair during the peak traffic hours because of expected load shedding. And the last part of the missing MW puzzle is the load shedding. It sadly makes up for the missing 70 MW that we still don't have the capacity to dream of or generate.
Our love for tobacco and all tobacco related products has made us top another infamous list. We have been declared the highest cancer producing state in the country, maybe even in the world looking at the percentage of our population affected by it. At one point, apart from cancer there were many other sicknesses that started pushing our referral cases outside the state into a huge exodus. As a result a brilliant scheme found itself knocking on the door of the authorities. Build a referral hospital in the state and why not just outside Aizawl, maybe a couple of kilometres away. Now the public will not have to make a trip outside the state; the referral cases will all happen within. The construction work at the site certainly, as one drives by, resembles hospital buildings but on a closer look you find that there are uniformed men with guns and not with medicines. If you want to get referred to this place, sickness is not likely to do it for you, probably you will have to try your hand at breaking the law.
Modernization has been so very crucial for every community and society. There are initiatives taken by governments to boost it up. And what better way to give it a serious launch than to arm your security personnel with socks that cost just a wee bit short of a thousand rupees a pair. Or to stock up the state with mobile toilet vehicles just in case you run a loose motion while driving or walking around the streets of your city or town. The cost of the mobile toilet vehicles run into crores only to be sold off as metal scraps to the local dealers at the kilo rate.
I can go on and on. Peace certainly we have and we are at PEACE with the paintings but the painting will not remain where it is when the wall comes tumbling down. Let us wake up from this nightmare that appears to be a sweet dream. We need to wake up and rebuild the wall so that we can save the PEACE that rests on it.
— Robert Hmingmuana

Src:The Sentinel

NHPC report in two months

Kalyan Barooah
NEW DELHI, May 25 (AT)– The controversy generated over mega dam projects upstream of Brahmaputra river in neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh is likely to take a new turn with a report of National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited commissioned study expected in two months.

Divulging this, Chairman-cum-Managing Director NHPC, S K Garg said that report of the downstream studies on the impact of the hydro power projects is expected in two months. "Whatever suggestions are made in the report, we will implement", the CMD, whose company is executing major projects in Arunachal Pradesh, said.

However, execution of the hydro power projects upstream in Arunachal Pradesh may have implications for Assam and the State's concerns are genuine, admitted Director Technical, DP Bhargava.

The Government of Assam should approach Central Water Commission (CWC) for an integrated study on impact of the proposed hydro power projects coming up upstream, Director Technical told this newspaper.

"The NHPC has commissioned the study concerning its projects in Arunachal Pradesh. But we are not the only player in the State", he added.

The NHPC has entrusted Wadia Institute of Himalayan Studies with paleaoseismic study and an oil company with conducting 2 D seismic study, said Executive Director (Engineering Geology and Geo Technical Division), Dr Gopal Dhawan.

The interim report has been already submitted and the final report is expected shortly. In a bid to avoid further controversy, the NHPC has also added the concerns expressed by various NGOs and environmental groups besides All Assam Student Union in the terms of reference of the two study groups, said Bhargava.

However, NHPC is unlikley to accept the demand, which also has the support of the State Government, for constrtuction of bunds along both the banks of the river. "We are willing to construct bunds till some portion near our project. But not along the entire stretch," he said, arguing that it would lead to sharp rise in project cost.

Assam is being offered 200 MW of free power from 2000 MW Subansiri Hydro Power Project, besides cheap power at a cost of Rs 2 per unit. At least 14 per cent of the dam has been completed. About 65 per cent of HRT excavation has been completed and overt lining is also under progress. The project is expected to be commissioned by December 2012.

Meanwhile, the Director Technical observed that some of the apprehensions are misplaced. He said run-of-the-river projects have some flood cushion and are not as dangerous as projected. On the other hand, projects with water retention dams run the risk of being breached leading to flash floods downstream.

Meanwhile, the CMD addressing a press conference on Tuesday said that the exercise of public hearing has to be redone in the case of 3000 MW Dibang Project because of the delay in the process.

"We have to redo the entire exercise according to the environment clauses," the CMD said, adding the exercise was slated to start in June-July.

This is a very big project with an estimated investment of Rs 17,000 crore. NHPC is also executing Tawang I and II, which are under government clearance, he said.

Meanwhile, allaying apprehension over the controversial Tipaimukh Dam Project, the CMD said they are in contact with Bangladesh. "We have conveyed that they would be better off with the project as there would be less floods downstream because of the project," he claimed.

The 1500 MW Tipaimukh Project would also ensure availability of water during the lean season. The apprehensions expressed are misplaced, as project is not a water retention venture but run-of-the-river project, he said.

The NHPC has signed two MoUs with Government of Manipur including one for Tipaimukh and the other for 66 MW Loktak downstream. Both the projects are joint ventures with NHPC holding the lion's share.

Meanwhile, NHPC is spreading its wings to neighbouring Bhutan and Myanmar. In Myanmar, it has been engaged to undertake additional investigation and update the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 1200 MW Tamanthi and 642 MW Shwezaye Hydroelectric projects.

"Myanmar Government had aksed NHPC to update the DPR in 18 months' time. Now they have asked us to compress the time and submit the report by March 2011. A couple of weeks ago a delegation visited Myanamr and had a detailed discussion.

"They have expressed the desire to have only NHPC on board to develop the two projects. We are working on presenting an interim report within this year. The two projects would require investment of Rs 25,000 crore including Rs 7000 crore toward transmission cost," the CMD said.

In keeping with the Action Plan signed between India and Bhutan for development of 10,000 MW by 2020, NHPC has signed agreements with the Royal Government of Bhutan for preparation of DPR of 670 MW Chamkharchhu – I and 1800 MW Kuri Gongri, he said.

Meanwhile, NHPC has earned its highest ever profit after tax of Rs 2,090.50 crore, which is 94.43 per cent higher than the net profit after tax Rs 1,075.22 crore earned last fiscal.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

NSCN (IM) stands for peace: Rh Raising

Kilo Kilonser, Rh Raising

| EMN
DIMAPUR, MAY 24:
The NSCN-IM today has accused Manipur state of acting as a puppet for the 'hidden agenda' of the centre and categorically tagged the ruling Congress in Delhi as the main culprit for creating tension between the two states and with NSCN arising over the visit of Th Muivah to his native village of Somdal in Ukhrul district.
Addressing the public and NGO leaders during the 'interaction on peace and current situation,' organized by the NSCN-IM at Chumukedima Town Council hall, Kilo Kilonser Rh Raising said that even though it only require one language- 'shut up' to the Manipur state by the centre to calm the storm, it has not done so.
Also stressing on self reliance in politics as one of the principle of the NSCN-IM, Rh Raising expressed distrust over the games played by the Congress at the centre stating that 'Congress is not Naga politics but Indian politics- the reason why we do not trust Congress.'
He also denounced the stance of the Manipur government that has led to the escalation of animosity between the Nagas and the Meiteis while stating that there should not be any issue over land between the Nagas and the Meities.
Meanwhile, in an endeavor to garner further support and confidence from the public, the NSCN-IM Kilo Kilonser espoused that the people are the foundation of the movement of the NSCN on the basis of which it has been established.
He also reminded that the NSCN-IM is neither a faction, nor a party but a council of the people founded on the Naga national principle.
And in the wake of the current impasse, Rh Raising mustered confidence in stating that even if tens of thousands of Nagas may be killed; the Naga issue can never be killed, not by any power on earth.
Enlightening the public over the principles of the NSCN-IM, he said it stands not only for political freedom but for freedom of all kinds including freedom from dependence from others, self reliance in politics, self reliance in production as in more export and less import, freedom from fear, aggression and exploitation, self reliant in culture and development.
He also said the NSCN-IM stands for peace- peace with a principle. "All the negotiation, revolution or solution are principle based and we will never betray the principle in which we stand," he maintained while adding that in their 13 years of negotiation, NSCN-IM has never betrayed their principle for reason of which, the negotiation is still in progress.
Other NSCN-IM leaders who spoke during the interaction programme included Vikiye, Education Kilonser; Tokim Kilonser, War and Victim and V Horam, Kilonser MIS.
Short speeches from NGO presidents including Naga Council, DNSU, GBs' Association, Naga Women Hoho, Chakhro Public Organization, Chumukedima, and Convener GBs and DBs' Joint Forum were heard.



Manipur reeling under shortage of essential commodities

IMPHAL, MAY 24: Despite the claims of the government of Manipur regarding the availability of petroleum products in the state due to the swelling of stock, fuels in most of the filling stations in the state still looks dry as most of the  stations are yet to open for the general public. The stock of petroleum products were augmented in the state after the stranded oil tankers in Jiribam were escorted back to Imphal along the national highway (NH)-53, coupled with transporting of petroleum products through the NH-150 apart from airlifting of fuels in co-ordination with Indian Air Force (IAF) and air cargoes.
Following the improvement of fuel supply, the state government announced that 24 kilolitres for the transporters on a daily basis besides to provide of fuel through selected agents in three districts of Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati.
Transporters especially carrying fuel are kept within the state security campuses particularly at 2nd Manipur Rifles battalion vicinity and 2nd Indian Reserve Battallion (IRB) complex in Imphal.
Shortage of essential commodities including fuel in the state resulted following the ongoing indefinite blockade imposed by the All Naga Students' Association (ANSAM) with the support of Naga frontal organisations and some tribal organisations along the national highways leading to Manipur.  The blockade was called against the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council elections under the 3rd Amendment Act, 2008.
The frontal Naga organizations and other tribal bodies have been voicing their concern over the ADC Act and the forthcoming polls under the same Act. The Manipur Tribal Joint Action Committee Against Election Under Unwanted District Council Act had called 24 hours 'total bandh' in all the tribal inhabited district of Manipur in support of ANSAM's agitation earlier. The same body also had called three days 'total bandh' to mark its Black Day.
On the other hand, Manipur government is all set to go ahead with the two phases elections in all the District Councils (ADC) of the hill districts in Manipur.
(Newmai News Network)



Non-locals leaving Manipur in fear

MAO GATE, MAY 24(EMN): Hundreds and thousands of non-locals have reportedly started moving out of Manipur following a threat from various Meitei organisations and underground outfits asking them to leave Manipur by June 31, 2010.
Interacting with media persons at Mao-Gate today, a non-local businessman, along with his family members, said they had fled from Imphal leaving their entire business and other activities fearing harm from the local people. He revealed that they were served with quit notice through Imphal based local media warning of dire consequence if they do not leave within the stipulated time frame.
The non-locals are reaching up to Mao-Gate through any possible conveyance after which they are boarding taxis and any form of transportation to reach Dimapur for their onward destination.

Monday, May 24, 2010

'No sign of decrease in cross-border terrorism'

Home Secretary G. K. PillaiHome Secretary G. K. Pillai

Kalyani Shankar:  The capital punishment for Afzal Guru is in focus again. No one understands why the Delhi Government had kept it for four years and suddenly woken up to deal with this.  How long do you think it will take for a final decision?  Secondly, why such a long queue of people who were given capital punishment even after Supreme Court verdict?

 

GK Pillai:  See, after the Supreme Court verdict, all these accused persons have the right to file mercy petition to be considered by the government.  We get the comments from State Governments concerned and it is examined in the Ministry on merits and the recommendations with the approval of Union Home Minister, is then made to the President of India for consideration.  The President of India, not just the present one, but in the past also, they have been hesitant in terms of imposing capital punishment, and therefore, they have been raising their reservations on whether it should be done, whether there is a chance for looking at it again.  And in this process, the matter has got very unduly delayed.

 

Kalyani Shankar:  The case of Afzal Guru is something different. You know, they were trying to take over the Parliament and if they had succeeded, they would have killed most of our leaders at that time.  Is that not on a different track than what we normally look at.

 

GK Pillai :  I don't think the merits of the case that somebody has been found guilty, to me that is not into question at all.  It is after that, under our laws, he still has a right to file a mercy petition and that mercy petition has to be examined and the recommendation of the Union Home Minister is actually binding on the President. The government in one sense has not been able to persuade the President to sign off on the death penalty.  The matter is getting delayed.  The final decision which I think the political system will have to take. The Delhi Government go with the recommendations of the  Union Home Minister and it will go to the President and the President will then have to take a decision. 

 

 Kalyani Shankar: Do you think that there is a need to change the government strategy in tackling the Naxalites ?  Secondly, does the Home Ministry want more powers and broader mandate to deal with this?

 

GK Pillai :  See, the strategy of the Government of India is very clear. It is, as the Union Home Minister puts it, is a two-pronged strategy – one to provide security to the people in the area and the second is to ensure development reaches the people.  I think we need to very clearly distinguish, because there is lot of confusion between Naxals, Maoists and so on.  I think what is very clear is that the CPI-Maoists have a name and objective which is laid down in their documents alone, which is the overthrow of the Indian State by armed means.  In so far as the Government is concerned, this is an organisation which has been banned as a terrorist organisation, an unlawful organisation.  Current strategy looks at providing what I would call as "secure areas", that as I put, a security grid in an area where there is, shall I say little or no governance and then having put that security grid which is by way of  a police station and paramilitary forces to give security to the people, the local administration moves in immediately to build roads, primary health centres, public distribution system and so on.  This is something which we have started only post-November 2009, so it is less than six months.

 

And we see the impact of that in limited areas where we have operated, for sheer lack of, shall I say, policemen.  There are many areas where we have not been able to reach out to and Dantewada was one such area where we have yet to move into. Our strategy is possibly to move into that area in about a year, a year and half's time.

 

Kalyani Shankar:  But you know, the Maoists are still retaliating. It happened in Dantewada twice.  They seem to be targeting the CRPF and even sometimes innocent people. You say that are not enough policemen. What is the State Government doing?  Why they have not been recruiting more people?

 

GK Pillai:  Yes, we are short. In fact, as per the sanction strength of policemen which is itself very small, we are short of about 3.5 lakh policemen in the country.  But if I need the norm of 220 policemen for a lakh of population which is the UN norm for developing countries, I need about 8 lakh policemen. So, I have to recruit eight lakh policemen, I am recruiting now this year about a lakh and a half. So it is going to take me about five years literally to recruit eight lakh policemen, to have the full complement where I am in a position to have enough policemen in police stations.  No doubt that within five to seven years we will be able to control the situation completely.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  Well, in the meantime, if the Maoists attack some other places, what is your counter ?

 

GKPillai:  They will attack because their strategy is to try and disperse forces as much as possible.  We have to stay concentrated on our particular action.  While in some areas the Maoists may gain, where they are not there today.  In other areas we are actually taking back territory which, shall I say in Kanker district, we have possibly taken back about 3000-4000 kilometers of area.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  The Prime Minister is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir next month and may resume talks with the separatists like Hurriyat.  What will be the basis of the talks and secondly, how far is the Government willing to go in meeting their demands.

 

GK Pillai :  The Prime Minister has set up various Round Tables and the recommendations of the Round Tables have come to the Government.  These are under discussion to deal with the whole series of elements---from the issues of development to autonomy and so on.  Now, each one of these are separately being processed and examined in consultation with the State Government.  We have had, I may say, what the Union Home Minister called "quiet diplomacy", with many of the separatist leaders.

 

These are primarily to find out what is it exactly that they want. You cannot be just talking about the generalities.  Now, once we come to a very clear understanding of what the separatists want in terms of autonomy, then it is possible for us to be able to move forward towards that goal.  Simultaneously, we are now moving forward in terms of cross-border LoC trade, people are moving from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and vice versa.  That itself has been very largely welcomed in the state and we have seen that as normalcy starts to improve, tourism has been good this year, the Amarnath Yatra went off peacefully.  People realised that there is a stake for them in the system.  I think you will find the forces for peace have pushed this dialogue process further.

 

Kalyani Shankar:  But, what would be the Prime Minister's agenda. I mean, when he is talking to them, there should be something on the table.

 

GKPillai:  See, I think at this stage, we have not got a very clear idea from the separatists themselves as to what is their demand in concrete general terms.  So, it is very important for us to continue the dialogue and the reason why some of it is required to kept quiet is because of the so many competing groups, that if you don't keep it relatively quiet among themselves, each one will only be trying to outdo the other to take an extreme position which does not help us to move the dialogue further. Quiet diplomacy has started. The fact is that Pakistan is very unhappy with the quiet diplomacy.  It is a very strange aspect that Pakistan would say that it is an issue which has to be solved between India and Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan and they would love to talk with the separatists.  But when we talk to the separatists, the Pakistanis are all up in arm.   And this is what exactly the separatists themselves told Pakistan when they went there. They said we talk with you, the Indian Government does not object, but when we talk with Indian Government, why do you object?  And it just shows in one sense, what shall I say, the contradictions in the Pakistan policy.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  Does the Home Ministry think that the cross-border terrorism in the Jammu & Kashmir region has decreased ? Is there any possibility of demilitarisation on the border ?

 

GK Pillai:  I don't think the cross-border terrorism has shown any signs of decrease. From all available indications, the number of training camps for terrorists in Pak-occupied Kashmir, and may be in Pakistan itself, there has been no decrease at all and we have literally infiltration from across the border on a daily basis. 

 

Kalyani Shankar :  In spite of that there is demand for demilitarisation, even from parties like the PDP.  But the Government has reduced some forces.

 

GK Pillai :  Yes, in 2009 it has considerably reduced, I think a total of about 30,000 paramilitary forces were taken away. The Army itself has reduced. And to a certain extent, the Jammu & Kashmir police have taken their own steps to strengthen themselves.  There has been a recruitment of about 9,000 Jammu & Kashmir policemen.  We have also, what we would call as part of efforts to see that there is visible impact of what we call as demilitarization, ensure that all paramilitary forces except when they are on combat duty against the militants, would all be in khaki uniform.  We have also drawn up a programme and we hope by the end of 2010, we should be able to have got all the paramilitary forces and the military, out of what we would call as 'sensitive locations', that is where they were occupying schools, where they were occupying government buildings, where they were occupying stadiums and so on, would have got them completely vacated.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  Militancy may be on the wane in the North-East, but there are threats of Maoists spreading their network.  How do you propose to deal with the Maoists establishing contact with the insurgent outfits like ULFA and the NSCN-IM in the region?

 

GK Pillai :  The culture in the North-East is quite different and it is a whole series of ethnic identities which are in one sense bursting out, if you want to say it, in the North-East and mistakes were made in the first decade after independence, I think for which we are  in one sense paying the price even now.  But, I think there is a greater understanding and I think the recent steps which we have taken like LTC for all by air to the North-East is helping a lot of people to mingle and understand each other's cultures.  I think we have a lot to learn from them.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  Is there any forward movement in the Naga peace talks?  Also, you had been in Manipur recently to persuade Muivah from entering Manipur to visit his village. Will he listen to you?  And moreover, the NSCN has submitted a list of 30 demands. How far is the Government willing to meet their demands?

GK Pillai :  The Government of India have made it very clear and I have myself stated that both sovereignty as well as the integration of Naga areas is literally out of the question because we don't want to create more problems. We have to find imaginative solutions to try and deal with this type of situation.  The interlocutor has had good talks, a number of proposals are on the table and I am quite hopeful, because the civil society in Nagaland is extremely keen that a solution be found.   

Kalyani Shankar :  Manipur is almost burning and you have been persuading Muivah not to visit there. So, what is the way out ?

 

GK Pillai :  I think it was unfortunate. I think his demand or his request to go to his home village is something which could have been accepted. But I think the timing was wrong because of the fact that there was the District elections coming up and the known opposition of the NSCN-IM to the holding of District elections was a severe provocation.  We understand his request to visit his village. Now, we have advised him that he should wait till the situation is more conducive for his visit.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  Now, are you concerned about Manipur, the situation on the ground level now ?

 

GK Pillai :  Yes, we are concerned about it, we have spoken with the Chief Minister, we understand his concerns, we have told him that the territorial integrity of Manipur is not there for negotiation and Government of India is totally committed to the territorial integrity of Manipur.  And I am hopeful that when the situation normalises, I think in one sense, both sides would show the wisdom and vision to move forward.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  During the Budget session, there was a lot of furor about phone-tapping.  Is the Government proposing to make amendments to the 1880 Indian Telegraph Act to include new sections for regulation and control of use of air interception equipments. 

 

GK Pillai :  Yes, we have noted the concerns which had been raised in the Parliament and we are proposing certain amendments to the Indian Telegraph Act with the Department of  Telecom and we hope that we should be able to make adequate regulations to regulate the passive equipment which is available of monitoring of telephone lines.  We are hopeful that all equipments which is in private hands will have to be surrendered. That would be part of the regulation future.

 

Kalyani Shankar :  Commonwealth Games are just a few months away. Are you sure that we will be able to conduct the games ?

 

GK Pillai :  I am quite confident. I think we have drawn up very elaborate security arrangements.  We have even an international security liaison group with security experts from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and so on.  They have vetted our arrangements. They are quite happy with the arrangements as they are and we would, of course, be continuing to upgrade the security in the light of the threat situation as it develops. 

 

The interviewer Kalyani Shankar is senior journalist.

Source: www.mynews.in

Mizo fanatics see red in Census

AIZAWL, MAY 23 (AGENCIES): The census operations in Mizoram have run into an unusual antagonism from some groups of religious fanatics who have perceived the head count, particularly the Unique Identity (UID) cards, as a bad omen. Referring to verses in the book of revelation in the Bible, which deals with the end of the world, followers of some

sects and cults in the Christian-dominated Mizoram believe that getting identified with Unique Identification Numbers would mean getting identified by the 'Beast', mentioned in the revelation.
Revelation 13:17 says, ''No man might buy or sell, save the mark or the name of the beast or the number of his name. ''Before the end comes, the number and symbol of the Beast or Satan would be distributed to mankind and everybody would be counted by the Prince of Darkness.'' Interestingly, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) states that no one can buy or sell any property without UID card.
The census operation kicked-off in Mizoram on May 15 from the residence of Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.
''There is a serious misconception about the UID identification process. I don't know how to deal with these people, some of whom are even educated,'' said Aizawl DC C Thanchhuma.
The Aizawl district administrator has written to State government asking for instructions to deal with those who refuse to give their details to the census officials. He said some would rather face penalty than 'giving their names to the Beast.' Officials said the enumerators have faced such problems in many places across the state, even in the state capital.
One enumerator said a couple in his area got into a fight when the wife refused to give her details.
''The woman believed that giving her names in the census would mean getting identified by the Devil. Then, her husband beat her up,'' the enumerator.
The issue was hotly debated upon in a religious seminar on the Biblical prophecy of the end of the world here on May 21 and 22.
Speaking at the seminar, a popular Christian scholar Dr P C Biaksiama explained that the mark or number of the Beast would be placed on the hand or the forehead.
''This UID card is in any way cannot be the identification by the Beast. This UID card is meant to distinguish between Indians and foreigners to safeguard the citizens. It will bar foreigners from buying property such as land in our country,'' he said.
However, some section of the seminar participants refused to eat the scholar's words and walked out of the seminar hall.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Mizoram govt orders rationing of fuel

Aizawl, May 22 (PTI) With the fuel stock running out in the wake of the economic blockade in neighbouring Manipur, the Mizoram food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department had ordered rationing of diesel and petrol.

Long line of vehicles were seen near pumps in the state capital and elsewhere since yesterday with a large amount of fuel being taken to Manipur, hit hardest by the blockade.

Official sources said while trains carrying fuel from Guwahati failed to reach Ramnagar oil depot in neighbouring Assam?s Cachar district, the satellite depot at Mizoram-Assam border town Vairengte also completely dried up.

The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) slammed the government for not taking steps to ensure fuel security by allowing the oil stock transported unhindered to Manipur without considering the hardships faced by its own people.




Relief at last for Manipur
- Minister escorts 300 trucks with essential commodities

Imphal, May 22: Manipur heaved a collective sigh of relief with food and civil supplies minister Yumkham Erabot Singh escorting 300 supply trucks to Imphal and two air force cargo planes bringing four diesel tankers from Guwahati today.

The trucks, escorted by the minister from Jiribam, adjoining Assam's Cachar district, were carrying petrol, LPG, rice and other essentials.

The reception of Erabot Singh, who was hailed as "hero" and the "saviour of Manipur", started when the convoy reached Keithelmanbi, a valley about 16km from here.

The minister leading the convoy had to stop at more than 15 places between Keithelmanbi and Imphal city, 222km from Jiribam, to receive garlands. "Our minister is a hero. It is because of him that the trucks could reach Imphal and our problems will be lessened now. The minister is bringing trucks carrying our lives," N. Amuthoi Singh, a 45-year-old schoolteacher, said at Patsoi in Imphal West where Erabot Singh got a rousing reception.

The trucks started moving from Jiribam yesterday, but could not reach Imphal because of security reasons. They halted near a security post at New Keiphundai in Tamenglong district.

Sources in Jiribam said the government had provided Manipur Rifles guards to facilitate the movement of the stranded trucks towards Imphal after it got wind of Earabot Singh's visit to Jiribam.

This is the first time that supply trucks plied on Imphal-Jiribam road since the blockade. Some supply trucks also started coming from Mizoram through Churachandpur district through National Highway 150.

"Henceforth supply trucks would go to and fro along Imphal-Jiribam highway and you need not worry. The government has agreed to provide security regularly," Erabot Singh told the crowd.

Some trucks were damaged when blockade supporters rolled down boulders while the convoy was passing Noney in Tamenglong.

Ibobi Singh told the media this evening that his government would use NH53 till the situation on the Imphal-Dimapur highway normalised. "We will also use NH150," he said, adding that NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah would not be allowed to enter Manipur.

(The Telegraph)

Nagas & Meiteis can’t live together: Hoho

KOHIMA, MAY 22 (NPN):
"Nagas and Meiteis cannot cohabit anymore and now the Nagas want complete separation of the two communities and it doesn't matter in whatever way," the Naga Hoho said Saturday.
"How long can the meitei suppress the Naga people", Naga Hoho President Keviletuo Kiewhuo asked while briefing media persons after a marathon consultative meeting with the constituent tribal hoho representatives held at Hotel Japfü here today. "Wherever Nagas are, be it in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam or Myanmar, they are all Nagas and if they suffer, we are there", he said. He also informed that the Naga Hoho would soon have consultative meeting with the Eastern Naga Peoples' Organization.
Stating that the Nagas would not allow the suppressive act of the Manipur government, the Naga Hoho president said that the onus of resolving the problem was with the government of India which 0should put wrong to right. He said Manipur government has defied the directive of the union home ministry at the centre which had issued directive to the states of West Bengal, Nagaland and Manipur regarding Muivah's itinerary.
He also revealed that the consultative meeting was well participated and had a comprehensive discussion on many issues. He said the consultative meeting was called for since the strength of the Nagas lay with the tribes.
The meeting mostly deliberated on the earlier May 8 Naga Hoho declarations which had evoked some response from certain quarters of the society. He said although the Naga Hoho leaders had recently met the GPRN/NSCN leaders and clarified its stand, the Hoho felt the need to take the constituent tribes into confidence for which the consultative meeting was convened.
He said the tribal representatives found nothing wrong but that it was a case of "misinterpretations."
In this regard the tribal representatives re-affirmed the same five-point declaration, based on which, the Hoho would now take up various activities.
The Naga Hoho president also revealed that the consultative meeting had set up a working committee which would consist of one member each from all the tribes and the tribe hoho presidents as ex-officio members to co-ordinate in all the activities.
He informed that the house also resolved to officially write to the Government of India to create a conducive atmosphere at Mao Gate by withdrawing all the Manipur armed police, commandos and IRB so that the displaced villagers who were presently sheltering at Kisama and Khuzama could go back home safely without any fear.
In an indirect reference to the presence of armed NSCN (I-M) cadres at Viswema village along with their top brass leaders led by 'Ato Kilonser' Th Muivah, the Hoho president said that the house also deliberated on the safety of the civilians at the place for a long time and decided to make an appeal to vacate armed cadres from the civilian areas. "We say there should be separation of arm force and civilian", he said but refused as and when the Hoho was going to make the appeal. "Our concern is to protect our people," Keviletuo said.
When asked to comment whether Muivah should go to his hometown at the prevailing situation, the Hoho president refused to comment and said that should be solved by the government of India, government of Manipur and the NSCN (I-M).
On the plight of the suffering people in Imphal due to the economic blockade, the Hoho president said that the question of lifting the blockade did not arise as whatever little food, medicines and other essential commodities were being airlifted presently.
He said the Meiteis were not allowing the same to reach the Nagas areas. "When someone died here, they're not concerned and when someone is going to starve they're shouting. Where is the logic?" he queried.
He, however, said that there were many options of allowing some commodities on humanitarian ground but was apprehensive that given the current situation, the same would not be allowed to go to Naga areas. "Let us, see how the Meitei will reciprocate," he added.
Further, he also said that the consultative meeting also deliberated on the recent assault on its leaders by some "anti-social" elements at Hotel Grandeur, Kohima and the house decided that the Hoho would not tolerate any assault or attempt on its leaders or all sorts of threat and intimidation by any persons or group.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Govt studies extending aid to drivers

IMPHAL, May 21(TSE) : As there is no possibility of bringing in trucks and other vehicles currently stranded at different places outside the State in the next couple of days, the State Government has studied about extending all possible assistance to the marooned drivers and their assistants.
Trucks and other vehicles currently stationed at different places outside the State will have to wait until the Singhat-Sinzawl-Tuivai road is developed at least to a passable stage from the existing condition.
An official meeting held in the office chamber of Transport Minister L Jayantakumar last morning discussed about what the Government can do for the stranded drivers and their assistants.
The meeting was attended by representatives of petroleum product transporters, truck operators as well as inter-State bus service operators.
The transporters proposed the State Government to take up necessary measures like extension of medical facility to the drivers and assistants stranded at Silchar and Jiribam, arrangements of proper parking lots and reduction of latrine/toilet charge to Rs 30 from the current rate of Rs 100 per day at Silchar IOC depot.
The meeting also deliberated on bringing all the stranded vehicles at one go this time along Singhat-Sinzawl-Tuivai road before developing the same road to be a traffic worthy one, at least by the minimum standard in the next two/three days.
It further discussed about conducting a final survey of Singhat-Sinzawl-Tuivai by a joint team comprising of the PWD, Transport Department, CAF & PD Department, BRO officials and representatives of transport organisations.


Five officials in the docks
S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, May 21(TSE): Arrest warrant has been issued against five officials for failing to report for duty on the first day of despatching polling personnel for the first phase of ADC polls, by invoking the Represen-tation of the Peoples Act, 1951.
The Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, Jacintha Lazarus in a memo to the Superintendent of Police asked the latter to immediately arrest five Go- vernment employees for failing to perform the duties assigned to them. The erring officials were identified as Rajendro Singh, Vungzagen H/S; Kamkhojam, Matalambulane Jr H/S; Thiyam Probinokumar Singh, newly appointed ADC teacher; Mangcha Haokip, newly appointed ADC teacher; and Seikolen, newly appointed ADC teacher.

Employees at collapsed office still draw salary in CCpur

From Kaimuanthang
lamka, May 21: Even after the collapse of the AO of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Research Centre office located at Geljang village in the aftermath of 1997 ethnic clashes there are reports that 9 staffs with three in the rank and file officers are still enjoying their monthly salaries and other facilities without doing their official duties.

One and all are under the impression that most staffs have been transfered to other postings and officials either got pension or have been transferred which is not the case as has been revealed by some officials of the same department to this correspondent.

As per sources accessible to this correspondent still there are about 10 muster rolls apart from some numbers of staff of various capacity always drawing their salaries by doing anything.

On a visit it was found bricks and wood used for the quarters and offices of the department were stolen by thieves apart from other furnitures as a result of which only the skeletal structures were there to be seen while many do not exist anymore.

Located on the side of Khuga dam water submergence in most parts of the east at its foot and surrounded by a terrace paddy field in the west, north and south the 60 plus acres of this horticulture farm plots have been a suitable place for development into tourist spots by construction of guest house or a lodge.

The minsiter power, horticulture and soil conservation, T Phungzathang made enquiries at the place today to see ways for renovating the department.

Talking to the press, he said steps would be taken to include development of the places as part and parcel of the government policy while appreciating the Geljang village chief's sincerity in preventing encroachment by anyone.

He asked the department officials to furnish details for renovation of the office buildings and quarters and assure to restore and develop a much better position than the former condition.(IFP)




Life saving drugs, petrol arrive

IMPHAL, May 21(IFP): Consequent to the needs of the state, more consignment of essential items including petroleum products have been airlifted today by a military cargo plane.

A total consignment of 40KL of petrol along with life saving drugs and Oxygen were airlifted today.

Mention may be made that one consignment of life saving drugs/medicines reached Imphal by air cargo of Logistic Post on May 20 consisting of 139 packets weighing 2.593 MT.

In addition, one consignment of 416 packets of life-saving drugs/ I.V fluids such as dextrose and ringer lactate also landed.
 
The movement of vehicles through Mizoram and Churachandpur continued as on May 20 with about 17 heavy vehicles, 10 medium vehicles and 16 light vehicles reaching Churachandpur with 270 barrels of diesel, 81 barrels of petrol, 2320 cement bags and 96 filled LPG cylinders. Also, 53 vehicles have left Churachandpur for Mizoram today.




Road equipment given to Myanmar

From Asem Lalit
Moreh, May 21(IFP): The Indian Army today handed over heavy machineries and other necessary spare parts to their Myanmarese counterparts as a part of building confidence and friendship between the two countries.

In the first phase of the four phased project consisting of a total of 14 engineer plants, equipments and 18 tippers, one Bull Dozer BD 80 along with 46 types of spares and accessories of Dozers, 9 types of spares and accessories , tippers were handed over today.

The machineries handed today by the Indian Army will be utilise by the Myanmarese authority in building roads and other constructions.

This Indian goodwill gesture was jointly organized by 31 AR and 9 engineer Regiment of 57 Mountain Division under the aegis of HQ 3 corps at Moreh Sunrise Youth Club ground, Moreh ward number 4 today.

During today's handing over function, IGAR(S), Maj. Gen. CA Krishnan represent Indian Army on behalf of Chief of Army Staff, GOC in C, Eastern Command, GOC 3 corps while Mynamar side was led Brig. Gen Tin Maung Ohn, Deputy Commander, North West Command Myanmar Army.

Speaking at the function Maj C Krishnan after handing over the MOU and key for the Buldozer said today's function will strengthen good relation between the two countries and this kind of gestures should be expanded in future too.

In his speech, Brig. GenTin Maung Ohn said the heavy machineries given today by India will be utilise in development of rural areas in Myanmar and this kind of cooperation will certainly improve relation between the two countries.
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