thupui

Manipur proxy voting shocker

2012-02-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

EC team detects largescale malpractice

Imphal, Feb. 14 : The desktop monitor showed voter ID number GDW 0004523, under Irong poling station in Wabagai constituency of Thoubal district, to be that of a 51-year-old male.

The same monitor showed the corresponding photograph of the person who cast the vote for this man to be that of a young woman.

A few voters down the list, a similar scene was beamed by the monitor — on display for the benefit of the complainants, including candidates and their agents.

The two-day exercise of comparison of photographs of the voters captured by mobile cameramen of Election Commission and photographs shown on the voter identity cards completed today at the office complex of chief electoral officer P.C. Lawmkunga here this evening.

The comparison exercise was carried out under the strict supervision of three observers appointed by the Election Commission and the state’s chief electoral officer from yesterday.

Joint chief electoral officer N. Praveen Singh said the exercise was carried out following directives of the Election Commission after candidates and their agents complained of bogus voting in some of the polling stations on January 28.

Election Commission prepares the voter list with photographs of the voter. This voter list is with the Election Commission and presiding officers of the polling stations.

For example, A is a female voter with her name and photograph on the voter list. The Election Commission appointed-people have cellphones with cameras to take photographs of the voters after casting the vote to check if there is any proxy voting.

So, the Election Commission compared the photos of voters in the voter list and those who cast their vote. After taking the photographs of voters they made a comparison of the photographs of the real voter and the individuals who cast the votes.

The exercise was carried out in 176 polling stations in 13 Assembly constituencies in six districts.

The Election Commission observers saw the anomalies, discussed the matter with the returning officers, prepared their report, sealed it and left for New Delhi with the reports. “The observers will submit their findings to the Election Commission and the commission will take the final decision,” Praveen Singh said. He could not say whether the commission would order repoll or not.

Largescale proxy voting came to light during the two-day exercise. Of the 13 constituencies perhaps the worse is in Wabagai, which left Usham Deven Sing, Trinamul Congress canddiate “shocked”.

Deven who was elected on CPI ticket in the 2007 Assembly election is contesting on a Trinamul Congress ticket.

Three large monitors were put up at the office complex for viewing of voter ID cards and those who cast votes by candidates and their agents while the observers were carrying on the comparison inside a room.

Among the candidates who turned up to see the comparison exercise today was Md Allaudin Khan, rural development and panchayati raj minister. “I demand repoll in the polling stations where proxy voting was carried out,” he said.

In Manipur, Trinamool likely to join non-Congress front

2012-02-13T19:22:00.001-08:00

The Trinamool Congress has agreed, in principle, to join the People's Democratic Front (PDF) formed by five non-Congress parties in Manipur to wrest power from the Congress which was had been in power for two consecutive terms.

Nimaichand Luwang — president of the Manipur People's Party (MPP) and also PDF's convener — told The Hindu over phone from Kolkata on Monday that he and another MPP leader Thounaojam Chaoba have had an extensive discussion with Mukul Roy, who is Trinamool leader in charge of Manipur, on the possibilities of the Trinamool joining the PDF.

Mr. Luwang said that he was “hopeful” that the Trinamool would join the PDF. Mr. Roy has sought clarifications on a couple of issues.

The Trinamool had refused to join the PDF before the January 28 elections, saying that it alone would form the next ministry. It contested 47 seats in the 60-member House.

On being asked about the number of ministerial berths and portfolios the Trinamool would demand in case the PDF formed the next ministry, Mr. Luwang said that the details of seat sharing would be hammered out once the results were out on March 6. Other parties such as the BJP and the CPI had already expressed their readiness to join the PDF.

Five parties — the Nationalist Congress Party, the MPP, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Janata Dal (U) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) — had formed the

British envoy for tapping NE growth prospects

2012-02-13T19:04:00.001-08:00

GUWAHATI, Feb 14 – Sanjay Wadvani, British Deputy High Commissioner to Eastern India, today stressed the need for tapping the “tremendous growth opportunities” of the North-east, and said that British companies were “actively pursuing partnerships” in the region.

Wadvani was addressing the inaugural session of the seminar on ‘Sustaining Peace in North-East India: Changing Dimensions’ organised by the Centre for Development and Peace Studies (CPDS) here today.

“There is huge untapped business potential for Indian and British companies in the whole North-east region, especially in sectors like infrastructure, education and training, oil and gas, power, low carbon development, and healthcare,” Wadvani said.

Mentioning that British High Commission was engaged in regular business-to-business dialogue with companies and governments in the North-east to help facilitate trade, the British envoy said that after it had brought its first major trade mission to Guwahati in late 2010, some of the companies were actively pursuing joint ventures in the region.

Former Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, in his keynote address, urged the State governments to be more inclusive in their approach to development and ensure willing participation of all minority groups in the development process.

“Identity and culture of the various diverse ethnic groups need to be respected and preserved. This is the essence of the special nature of the North-east which gives a distinctive flavour to the Indian nation,” he said.

Underscoring the urgency of reconciling tribal demands for autonomy with the larger issues of development in the State, Pillai said that better governance by the State and local authorities held the key to sustainable development in the North-east.

He also advocated putting “topmost priority” on creating sustainable employment in all spheres of economic activity, especially in tourism and hospitality sectors, music, sports, handloom and handicrafts, and agriculture.

Noting that popular support to insurgent groups was waning in Assam and other States of the region, Pillai termed the Maoist threat as a serious concern, and said that it needed to be tackled politically at the grassroots level and not allowed to convert itself into an armed movement.

“I would, therefore, urge all the political parties in Assam and even NGOs to anticipate what the Maoists are planning and counter their propaganda with a well-planned campaign at the grassroots level…In Uttar Pradesh, which is a backward State, the Maoists have not been able to make any inroad largely due to the active role of the BSP grassroots workers,” Pillai observed.

Terming the Maoists as fascist in character having no faith in parliamentary democracy, Pillai said that it was a subtle campaign on their part to portray themselves as champions of the underdog “which is but a part of their larger campaign to seize political power through an armed struggle.”

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, in his address, asserted that militancy was weakening in the State. This, he said, was testified by the effort of the various groups in the region to forge alliances.

Referring to the ongoing peace processes with various outfits, Gogoi claimed that it was he who persuaded a “hesitant Centre” into engaging in dialogues with the ultras.

“I had differences with the Centre but managed to convince it to start the peace process soon and it is paying dividends. Insurgency has to be resolved politically even while being tough on outfits that indulge in violence,” he said.

Attributing the backwardness of the State to the failure of “both the State Government and the Centre” to harness its resources, Gogoi said that a lot still needed to be done to put the State firmly on the road to development.

The Chief Minister also felt that greater participatory governance could bring down corruption, with the Panchayati Raj (PR) institutions empowering the people at the grassroots.

Earlier, PJ Baruah, executive editor of The Assam Tribune and joint secretary (hony), CDPS, delivered the welcome address in the absence of Wasbir Hussain, director, CDPS, who could not attend the function due to his father’s death.

Chronicles of Manipur

2012-02-13T19:03:00.001-08:00

B G Verghese,Feb 13,2012:

HISTORY REVISITED

Most Indians do not know Indian history. What they are taught is the history of Ayavarta -- the Gangetic plain and of those who ruled from Delhi. The histories of all other regions and of our oceanic traditions are incidental footnotes to the grand Delhi-Aryavarta narrative except for conflicts that erupted from Northern invasions.

Medieval Muslim rulers invaded the Deccan. That is noticed. There are references to the Vijayanagar and Bahmani kingdoms, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Maratas, and the rise of Sikh and Dogra power and of Mughal attempts to overrun Assam. The history of tribal India and its resistance to British and earlier inroads is little known. Subaltern history has in more recent times gained some entry into history texts, but fitfully. Fragmentary ‘regional’ histories are also now available. Are these histories taught even in those regions? Would teaching such histories necessarily spread local and regional chauvinism?

Then why colonise the Indian mind almost solely with Delhi-Aryavarta history - a ‘mainstream’ that other Indians are invited to join. Not knowing our ‘subaltern’ histories and cultures makes all of us lesser Indians, strangers within the fold.

Some weeks ago an English translation of the Royal Chronicles of Manipur, ‘The Cheitharol Kumbaba,’ was released in Delhi by the author, Nepram Bihari, a retired Meitei official from Imphal after patient translation from the old Meitei script as a labour of love.

This is the unbroken chronicle of 76 Manipur Kings from 33 AD until Maharaja Bodhchandra, who acceded to India in 1949, passed away in 1955.

This makes Manipur one of the oldest kingdoms in India with a rich history and culture, a state that waxed and waned in size, subduing hill tribes like the Thangkuls, often partially conquering or being conquered by Ava (Burma) and receiving and sending embassies from and to Ava, China, Cambodia, Assam, Tripura and elsewhere. Vaishnavite missionaries from Nawadwip in Bengal converted the Meiteis from their ancient Sanamahi faith and Pamheiba, who adopted the name of Garibniwaz (1709-48), became the Kingdom’s first Hindu ruler.

Thereafter there were pilgrimages to and visits from Nawadwip and to ‘the Ganga’ for holy baths. Manipuri culture flourished and the Lai Haroba and Ras Lila form the core of Manipuri dancing that constitutes one of the rich classical dance traditions of India to this day. All this was centred on Kangla, the Palace, temple, theatre, library and fortress complex in central Imphal which the British occupied in 1893 and the Indian security forces followed suit, callously, for strategic reasons, until a few years ago. The Kangla is now being restored to its old glory.

The Cheitharol Kumbaba is not a narrative history but a diary of day to day events that tell of the life of the people. It speaks of great events of state and wars, deaths and coronations and of humdrum comings and goings, hunts, elephant keddahs, wildlife encounters (tigers, snakes), picnics (to eat mangoes, lotus-seeds, pineapple), earthquakes, epidemics (cholera and smallpox), famine and food distribution, fires, the construction of dams, canals and bridges, floods and sporting events (ancient Meitei hockey and polo, bicycle polo and boat races and tug-of-war contests.

Demarcating the border

Manipur was occupied by Ava in 1819 but was ‘dispersed’ by ‘one British gentleman’ in 1826 and the border demarcated with British assistance. In return, in 1829, “the Sahibs in Sylhet requested the Maharaja to help them to fight with Khahi (Khasi) tribals”.

The Maharaja obliged. That same year Maharaja Gambhir Singh amicably settled a Hindu-Muslim dispute in Sylhet as the Ratha Jatra and Muharram fell on the same day. The ‘Sahibs’ had decided that the Moharrum procession would move first. But the Maharaja determined otherwise. “At this the Hindu sepoys of Sylhet praised the Maharaja”. The Maharaja visited a tea plantation in 1855. But in 1859, not only was fish ‘very dear’ but the King’s horse ‘Konojit’ died and ‘Bhagyajit was appointed in its place.’ Then in 1892, the British conquered Manipur which was reduced to a princely state under a British political agent.

In 1921 “for the civil war of Galthi (Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement) 50 sepoys were sent!” In 1932 there was a “great mortality of cattle and buffaloes… and horses were used for ploughing…”. Prolonged famine in 1939 brought the Nupi La (women) out on the streets to protest procurement for rice mills and rice exports. They famously confronted the Assam Rifles, shouted Bande Mataram and were dispersed but forced closure of all markets. Their demands were finally met.

There were destructive Japanese air attacks in 1942-43. On August 17, 1947, Paramountcy lapsed and the British handed the Manipur administration back to the Maharaja who re-entered Kangla some days later to the firing of 18 cannons. Congress satyagrahis were barred from the palace.

The Maharaja became a constitutional monarch in 1947 under a Manipur constitution which introduced popular rule after assembly elections. The state formally merged with the Dominion of India on September 21,1949 and its administration was transferred to the Dominion Government on October 15. And thereby hangs a tale.

The Royal Chronicles end here. Tripura has its ancient Rang Mala and Assam its Ahom Burunjis, which H K Burpujarri has used for his complete history of Assam. Why have not these treasures been translated and made available to wider audiences and taught in schools? Here surely is rich source material for an interconnected history of the Northeast?

I, protesting, ask our historians, the Indian Council for Historical Research, the Indian History Congress, the education ministry and National Integration Council why the Cheitharol Kumbaba, a part of my heritage, was kept from me for all these many years? And what of the rest?

Shot-circuited !

2012-02-12T17:13:00.001-08:00

By Maitreyee Boruah

Who would have thought patriarchy could come in the way of the rehabilitation of female drug users? In Manipur, it does

Esther lives in Churachandpur , around 65 km from Imphal, the capital of Manipur . She is what is referred to, in technical parlance , as a reformed female injecting drug user (FIDU). Esther gave up a life of injecting and snorting drugs and has come back from the brink - much wiser and sober, and not just on the ill-effects of a dangerous life. Her eyes, she says, also opened up to the blatantly different ways in which society treats male and female drug users.

"I thought we were all offenders in the eyes of society. But to our surprise , boys who used to inject drugs could fall back on their families. When girls tried doing the same, all they found was rejection, with families disowning them," she says.

For male injecting drug users (MIDUs), things are indeed different in the patriarchal Manipuri society. Families not only give financial and moral support to them, they are even ready to spend as much money as possible for detoxification and rehabilitation . It is this blatant discrimination that prompted Esther, now 34, to work as a peer educator for SHALOM (Society for HIV/AIDS and Lifeline Operation in Manipur).

Nattily clad in a striped shirt and formal trousers as she goes about her work in identifying and counselling FIDUs in the crowded Churachandpur area, Esther knows their trials and tribulations pretty well. "I am aware of the circumstances which force most FIDUs to end up on the streets. Without the family's support, life is very tough," she says.

Then, there is the added threat of AIDS. Manipur has been marked as a "highly prevalent state" by the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO). The state is said to have around 38,000 IDUs, out of which 3,600 are FIDUs, many of whom have not come out in the open, making it very difficult to reach out to them. "Women who use drugs face double the risk of HIV infection due to unprotected sex and unsafe injections," says Lalruatpuii Pachuau, director of SHALOM. "Also, societal disapproval , fear of exposure and lack of support often stops them from accessing help."

Due to its proximity to Myanmar - part of the infamous golden triangle , the main illicit opium producing area - Manipur's population has for long, grappled with drug abuse.The most commonly used drugs in the state are opioids like heroin (or No.4, as it is commonly known), codein and spasmo proxyvon (SP). With drug trafficking becoming active from early 1980s , the epidemic of HIV/AIDS also spread rapidly in Manipur, as drug users shared needles and syringes.

Those fighting against the scrouge say that cooperation from former FIDUs has made their work much easier. "The reformed drug users not only have inside knowledge regarding various drug hubs and their operations, they can easily build rapport with drug users and counsel them to come out of the vicious cycle of addiction," says Ching Songput, a senior member of Project ORCHID, a voluntary organisation working to reduce HIV spread in the state.

The reformed FIDUs are also benefiting through this exercise. Acknowledging the need for them to become self-sufficient , NGOs have been giving them training in yoga and meditation besides equipping them with vocational skills to earn their livelihood. One of the oldest voluntary organizations in the state, Social Awareness Service Organisation (SASO) has started a short stay home - the first of its kind in Imphal - where FIDUs can stay for six months. It also helps them get reunited with their families.

Esther who has spent time at the short stay home says that it helped her regain her confidence to start life afresh. "Today, I run a grocery shop and am reunited with my family. I am confident that life ahead will be positive for me."

'Tipaimukh dam will spell environmental disaster'

2012-02-12T17:00:00.001-08:00

Imphal, Feb 13 : Around 25,822.22 hectares of forest land of Manipur would be affected by the construction of the controversial Tipaimukh Dam and it would lead to felling down of 7.8 million (around 90 lakh)) trees and bamboos.

The dam would also not only give serious impact on community livelihood and survival but also exacerbate species and induce climate change impacts due to destruction of absorption capacity of Green House Gases (GHGs), asserted NGOs.

These apprehensions were echoed during a day-long Review Meet on Tipaimukh Dam, especially designed to review the key developments concerning the controversial Dam, held at Manipur Press Club here today.

The Review Meet was organised jointly by Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD), Committee on Land and Natural Resources (COLNER), Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam Project (ACTIP), Sinlung Indigenous People Human Rights Organisation (SIPHRO) and North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF).

The meet reviewed the key developments concerning the Tipaimukh Dam especially the recent formation of Advisory Sub Committee of the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India (GoI); the impact of the project on forest; the recommendations of UN CERD concerning Tipaimukh Dam which urged the GoI to respect the Indigenous People's Rights before any mega development project in IP land and the reaffirmation of MoU signed between the government of Manipur, the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) and the Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL).

After a thorough deliberation, the review meet adopted a number of resolutions including urgent revocation of the MoU signed between state government, NHPC and SJVNL on April 28, 2010 and reaffirmed on October 22, 2011; revocation of the Environment Clearance granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, GoI on October 24, 2008; conduct Holistic Impact Assessment on the socio- economic, environmental, cultural, health and human rights of the people in all portion of the river in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam and in Bangladesh with due participation from all affected areas; to press for taking free, prior and informed consent of all affected peoples as recommended by the UN CERD Committee specific on Tipaimukh Dam; to make a detailed assessment of the impact by the Sub-Committee, to meet and listen to the affected people and local experts and to make necessary recommendations that respect the wishes and aspiration of the people towards promoting their livelihood, survival rights and future; to fully adhere with the recommendations of the World Commission of Dams and the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples before pursuing Tipaimukh Dam and no militarisation in the pretext of development and repeal of AFSPA, 1958. Earlier participating in the review meet as resource person, Dr RK Ranjan, Chairperson, CCDD said that the Tipaimukh Dam, as stated in the project proposal, would generate 1500 mega watt of electricity and 12% of the production will be given to the state of Manipur.

But in reality, the project would produce only 400 mega watt of electricity and Manipur would receive only 48 mega watt of power.

To get this little amount of electricity, Manipur have to sacrifice around 25, 822.22 hectares of forest land where 7.8 million tress and bamboos will be destroyed and such actions will not only seriously impact community livelihood, survival and exacerbate species loss but also induce climate change impacts.

Meet on Dam seeks people's mandate

2012-02-12T16:59:00.001-08:00

Imphal, Feb 13 : A review held today at Manipur Press Club on the proposed Tipaimukh Dam has resolved that people's informed consent should be obtained first after conducting a holistic impact assessment on the merits and demerits of the dam.

The review meeting was jointly organised by the Citizens' Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD), North East Dialogue Forum, Committee on Land and Natural Resources (COLNER), Action Committee Against Tipaimukh Dam Project (ACTIP) and Sinlung Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Organisation.

The meeting further decided to demand annulment of the MoU signed between the Government of India and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.

To rescind the environmental clearance given by the Ministry of Environment and Forest in 2008 was another resolution of the meeting.

It also resolved that a holistic impact assessment should be conducted about the possible impacts of Tipaimukh Dam on the economy, culture, ecology, health and right to life of the indigenous people.

The Government should be adhere to the recommendations of UNCERD and prior informed consent of the people likely to be affected by the dam should be obtained first.

The Forest Advisory Sub-Committee of the Ministry of Forest and Environment should understand the Government could never compensate for 7.8 million matured trees and 25,822 hectares of bamboo groves which would be destroyed when Tipaimukh Dam is constructed.

The Forest Advisory Sub-Committee should listed to the local experts and the people who would be affected by the dam, asserted many of the speakers.

Before taking up the issue of Tipaimukh Dam, the Government of India should first comply with the recommendations of the World Commission on Dams and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Maintaining that modernisation programmes including construction of Tipaimukh Dam should not be done through militarisation, the meeting further resolved that AFSPA should be repealed at once.

Observing that mega dams are not the only source of energy, the speakers urged the authorities to exploit other sources of energy.

Another resolution of the meeting was that people, after learning all the adverse impacts of Tipaimukh Dam, should stand united and prevent construction of the dam.

Speaking at the review meeting, CCDD chairperson RK Ranjan noted that the project authority has not yet produced even the basic project document about the proposed Tipaimukh Dam.

As per the report given by the project authority in 1984, it was said that 161 villages would be inundated due to construction of Tipaimukh Dam.

But the number of villages has been reduced to 61 over time.

By the latest report, only 16 villages would be submerged by the dam.

In this way, the authorities have been concealing the facts.

Though the expected installed capacity of Tipaimukh Dam is 1500 MW, in practice it can generate only 500 MW of power.

Out of this, Manipur would get 10 to 12 per cent which comes to around 40 MW.

Ranjan asked if the people of Manipur should sacrifice invaluable forest areas, trees and a number of fish and animal species for the mere 40 MW of power.

The dam would produce adverse impacts on the Bumming Bird Sanctuary as well as the Keilam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Large areas of Tamenglong district where oranges are cultivated would be submerged once the dam is constructed.

Many other areas of the State which are intrinsically related with the history of Manipur would also be inundated for good.

Moreover, 20 Kms of Imphal-Jiribam highway would also be submerged by the dam.

In short, the benefits expected from the dam is too little compared to losses it would entail, RK Ranjan said.

It is the companies manufacturing steel, cement etc and the agencies which would execute the project that would be benefited from the proposed dam.

For the general public, they have little to gain from the dam.

Cautioning that the Government would deploy its military to build Tipaimukh Dam forcibly, U Nobokishore of the North East Dialogue Forum pointed that many parents of Loktak area are unable to educate or feed their children as a result of the Loktak Multip-urpose Project.

A large number of people would be made beggars once the Tipaimukh Dam is constructed.

The review meeting was also participated by Oinam Jiten of the All Loktak Lake Fishermen's Union, Ramthing Kasar representing people affected by Mapithel Dam, Nganbi of the JAC Against Eviction of Lamphel Yaipha Leikai, LH Kaulum Anal of the People's Development Organisation, Aram Pamei of CCDD and John Pamei of Zeliangrong Students' Union.

Putting down the burden of borders

2012-02-09T21:17:00.001-08:00

Haroon Habib

Addressing unresolved bilateral issues would silence the Bangladeshi Opposition from questioning the value of improving ties with India.

Dhaka and New Delhi are set to host many important visits soon to review the deals and commitments they made during Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's trip to New Delhi in January 2010 and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh's much hyped visit to Dhaka in September 2011.

While Bangladesh Home Minister Sahara Khatun's February 23-24 visit to meet P. Chidambaram has already been decided, the widely expected Dhaka trip by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to review bilateral ties is yet to be officially announced.
Escalating tensions

The Home Minister-level talks will take place at a time when Dhaka is peeved at the repeated incidents of brutal treatment of Bangladeshis by the Border Security Force, escalating tensions on the frontier. The border incidents, including the recent savage treatment of a young cattle trader by the BSF, shown on video, have not only shocked Bangladesh but also caught Indian as well as world attention, prompting New Delhi to take action against the personnel involved.

The Indian media and human rights organisations have reacted sharply to the behaviour of the border guards. The Hindu, in an editorial, urged New Delhi to tender an “unreserved apology” to Bangladesh for the “brutal conduct” (“Brutality on the border,” Jan. 24). According to an estimate released by New York-based Human Rights Watch, more than 900 Bangladeshis and 164 Indians were killed along the border by the BSF between 2000 and 2010. The situation improved after the two countries agreed last year to avoid using lethal weapons in dealing with illegal border activities, and Mr. Chidambaram ordered the BSF not to shoot except in self-defence. Yet, according to media reports, 16 Bangladeshis were shot dead, seven others tortured and three more killed in other methods between April and December 2011. Dhaka has expressed deep concern over the recurring incidents despite repeated assurances by New Delhi that the BSF will exercise maximum restraint.
Renewed discussions

Understandably, Ms Khatun's visit will allow a renewed discussion on such border incidents, which have all the potential to generate a negative impact on people-to-people relations. The two Home Ministers, as the agenda says, will discuss a wide range of issues that will include border security, smuggling of drugs, review of the implementation of border management agreement signed in July last during Mr. Chidambaram's visit to Dhaka.

The border guards of India have all the right to defend their frontier from illegal activities, detrimental to their nation's interest. But the law should be allowed to take its course. Opening fire straightway and indulging in brutal acts take their toll on people's trust. The widespread feeling is that the largest democracy and Bangladesh's big neighbour is doing little to curb such excesses despite repeated assurances.

Since considerable time has passed after great expectations were aroused in 2010 of a shared, forward-looking enhanced connectivity and trade, it is now time to assess the implementation of the accords signed and commitments made. Mr. Mukherjee's likely Dhaka visit this month will be the best opportunity for that. The Finance Minister is visiting on the invitation of his Bangladeshi counterpart, A.M.A. Muhith, extended when they met in January at Petrapole on the India-Bangladesh border. That both the sides have felt the need to review the decisions reached so far is praiseworthy.

Mr. Mukherjee will review the state of bilateral relations, especially the $1-billion line of credit India has committed itself to providing for infrastructural development. The loan under an August 2010 agreement remains virtually untapped. Bangladesh says it plans to abandon eight of the 21 projects planned under the Indian loan, due to “tough conditions.”

Those watching the recent positive trend in India-Bangladesh relations may have reasons to be frustrated at the slow pace of implementation of some of the vitals accords, which deserve quick implementation to place the ties on a solid footing.

The Teesta water sharing accord has remained unfulfilled till date, thanks to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, causing acute embarrassment to the Hasina government, while the land boundary protocol signed during Dr. Singh's visit to Dhaka — on exchanging 162 enclaves — has not progressed satisfactorily. New Delhi is facing trouble in clearing the impediments to the implementation of the treaty, which has to be ratified in Parliament. The Bharatiya Janata Party, opposed to the implementation of the 1974 border agreement, has expressed its strong views on the issue and reportedly decried the land swap deal, perhaps to suit its political interests. Many see the BJP's position as a roadblock to the emerging India-Bangladesh ties.
Political situation in Dhaka

On the other hand, the political situation in Bangladesh has not developed as smoothly as the ruling alliance, which won a thumping majority in Parliament, expected. As the Hasina government stepped into its fourth crucial year — elections are scheduled for late 2013 — civil society finds itself increasingly divided on certain issues, which include the scrapping of the caretaker government system through a constitutional amendment. Political tensions are also on the rise on the issue of a new Election Commission. The major complaints against the government are its failure to prevent the recurrent collapse of the share market, rein in inflation and price hike, control economic chaos, stop violence by ruling party cadres, and improve law and order, and the allegation by political rivals that it has failed to gain any advantage from India. The government has been accused of protecting “India's interests” only. However, the Khaleda Zia-led opposition's open stand against the trial of the perpetrators of the worst crimes against humanity during the 1971 War of Liberation has caused more harm than good to it.

Political perceptions may differ but independent observers believe that all major political points being made by the alliance of Islamist-friendly Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami against the Hasina government are, covertly or overtly, India-centric. The Opposition is against allowing India transit to connect its northeast, and opposed to taking a hard line against the region's insurgents. Even in the recent abortive coup — foiled, thanks to the army chain of command — India-centric issues, prompted by extremist religious views, dominated the mindset of the plotters.

With the Teesta deal yet to be inked, the land boundary protocol yet to cross a hurdle before implementation, the much-desired transit non-operational, and the Tipaimukh hydro project in Manipur triggering allegations of an impact on Bangladesh's environment and economy, political adversaries opposing the new found ties will, undoubtedly, have the added advantage of questioning the ultimate outcome of the relations the neighbours fondly embarked upon two years ago. There is no denying that the deals signed and the commitments made so far must reach their logical goals, and their fruits enjoyed by the people on both sides of the border.

In an era of globalisation marked by a phenomenal growth of science and technology, Bangladesh and India cannot lag behind — nursing and sustaining mistrust and hostilities. Let us hope the relations put in place by the two countries, after decades of acrimony, will emerge as an example for South Asia. Let them not fail us.

(The writer can be reached at hh1971@gmail.com)

RBI launches financial literacy camps in northeast

2012-02-09T17:26:00.001-08:00

CHANGKI: Focusing on imparting financial education to the people of the country, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has organized financial outreach camps in some of the remote villages of India, the executive director of RBI, V S Das. The RBI launched the second phase of its outreach camps in the northeast on Wednesday.

Addressing a public meeting at Changki village in Mokokchung district in Nagaland on Wednesday, the RBI executive director said, "The RBI has been taking up several programmes to financially educate people in the rural areas of the country since its platinum jubilee celebrations in 2009-10. It has already organized outreach camps that focus on the importance of financial literacy for financial inclusion in 218 villages across the country so far."

He said financial literacy has become very important now due to advancement of science and technology in the past five or six years. "Science and technology play an important role in the financial sector these days. So, the basic purpose of our outreach camps is to bring awareness amongst the people regarding the new banking facilities available in banks. It is also an attempt to make these facilities available to every adult citizen in the target area and bring them under the fold of mainstream banking," Das said.

The RBI's financial outreach camp, which is being held at Orija Salang in Changki, is the third such programme in the state after the ones held at Khonoma village in Kohima district and Chumukedima in Dimapur district in 2009 and 2011 respectively.

"Inflation has become a major problem in India mainly due to the mismanagement of demand and supply. The RBI is trying its best to keep a balance between the demand and supply to control inflation in the country," he added.

Hrangkhols celebrate Ruolsafak festival

2012-02-05T04:49:00.001-08:00

HAFLONG, Feb 5 – Ruolsafak, the major festival of Hrangkhol was celebrated with traditional fervor and fun fare in different villages like Muolpung, Lungkhok, Zion, Rabi etc of Dima Hasao by the people of Hrangkhol community on February 2.

This festival is most important for Hrangkhol community. It is also considered to be the harvesting festival as well as the bidding goodbye to the past year and to welcome the New Year. Previously the day was not fixed, the festival was celebrated accordingly to the conveniences of the village, during the last part of January and the first part of February every year. But since 1998 February, the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council warmly welcomed the festival and declared a local holiday every year.

In the observance of the festival, young boys and girls of the village (kho tanggva) take leading parts. Under the leadership of Tangva ulien, the youth are engaged from ahead of the time of the actual celebration. The earnings (Vengasuoilhlo) of the village youth (khotangya) by doing physical labour and the earnings from village women (khonupui) are spent in the festival. In some village, the youth cultivate a patch of jhum land themselves and what ever earning they could get from the cultivated land, is spent for the celebration of this festival. This festival is celebrated for two days continuously. First day, early in the morning, the village priest along with his co-elders performs a ritual called Naran pnak/Tarpa phak/ pray to God, scarificing cock and hen and cook it with rice called Nempok.

After eating Nempok with rice beer (Zu), the priest announces and declares the festival and its purpose to the villagers. The priest and his co-elder hold fast till noon. Holding of grand feast with the meat, rice beer, dancing and singing are the prime components of the festival.

On the second day it is for competition (ruol irsiet) of traditional games and sports, singing and dancing. At the end, all get together and have feast, thus Ruolsafak ends for the year.

Institute to bring out status of endangered tribal languages

2012-02-02T17:14:00.001-08:00

The Centre for Tribal Languages (CTL), a division of Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), has been preparing ''white paper'' on status of dying or endangered languages and tribes in each state in the country. Speaking to reporters here today, G Devi Prasad Sastry, reader cum research officer at CTL, said the Union Government had taken the decision after UNESCO World Atlas of Endangered Languages had listed 196 Indian languages as endangered and it was necessary to preserve them. He said that CIIL fact-finding teams have covered four States, including Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. Currently, the teams are focusing on Bhili dialects in Chhattigarh, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajastan. Mr Sastry said languages would count as endangered if they are spoken by less than 10,000 people. In Tripura, there few languages that are spoken by only few families. For instance, Saimar is spoken by only 25 people of four families and same is the case with Korbong, which was the second official language of Tripura.

Establishing durable peace in the North-East

2012-02-02T16:56:00.001-08:00

The co-relation between the ballot and the bullet in these States can be a serious threat to democracy in the region, says CP Bhambhri

India cannot move an inch forward in pursuit of its ‘Look East’ policy without resolving the multi-dimensional violent conflict s which exist in the seven sister States in the North-East. Only if Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunchachal Pradesh and Tripura are at peace with one another and also within their own existing boundaries will New Delhi’s foreign strategy work.

If the armed Naga insurgents’ 65-year old struggle is not resolved, it can create a lot of difficulties that will stunt the development of India’s relationship with Burma — the first step towards the realisation of the new policy. In this context, the recent Assembly election in Manipur deserves to be closely analysed so as to understand the co-relation between the politics of the ballot and the bullet in the North East.

The electoral battle in Manipur has brought into sharp focus all the features of electoral contests found in every State of India. Indeed, if democratic politics in Manipur is studied superficially and if electoral events are taken at face value, there will not be any visible difference between Manipur and the major States. Like the rest of India, Manipur has a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural population consisting of Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas and Kukis.

Manipur graduated from a Union Territory to a full-fledged State in 1956, and its journey is on the same lines as that of Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland. The Manipur State Assembly has a strength of 60 members and 279 candidates are fighting for these seats. If in the 2007 Assembly election, 19 parties and 308 candidates were involved, in 2012, 17 parties and 279 candidates are in contest.

National parties like the Congress, the BJP, the CPI and CPI(M) are in the electoral battle while regional political formations like the Nationalist Congress party, the Trinamool Congress and the Naga People’s Front sponsored by NSCN-IM is also contesting from Naga inhabited areas of Manipur. Manipur like all other States witnessed a multi-party contest and the Election Commission announced that 80 per cent of the voters participated in the elections held on January 28.

It deserves to be stated that Manipur’s voter turnout during the elections has been remarkably extremely high. Even during the 2007 Assembly election the voter turnout was 80 per cent and for the Lok Sabha election of 2009, it was 67 per cent. It can be concluded that democracy has taken deep roots in the soil of Manipur. It can also be surmised, on the basis of a superficial understanding of the above mentioned facts, that Manipur should be a peaceful democratic State where people want to settle their problems on the basis of competitive electoral democratic contests based on the sanctity of the ballot paper.

However, the reality is not so simple and straightforward. Electoral politics in Manipur co-exists with the politics of the bullet. Separatist and other insurgent groups engage in violence. the Army and other paramilitary forces are permanently engaged in anti-insurgency warfare and democratically elected Governments depend on the Armed Forces to maintain law and order in the State.

Manipur is a ‘disturbed’ State and that is the reason that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 is in full operation there. Activist Irom Sharmila has been on a hunger strike for the last 11 years, beginning in November 2000, to demand the scrapping of AFSPA.

The separatist movement in Manipur has been on since 1964, and now a new factor to destabilise the State has emerged. The Nagas have launched a movement for the hill areas of Manipur inhabited by Nagas to be merged with Nagaland. Also, the conflicts between the Kukis and the Meities and between Hill and the Valley remain unresolved, with at least one group having an economic blockade of the main areas of the Valley.

On the one hand, the January election to the Manipur Assembly does not seem to be any different than elections in any other State. But, on the other, a complete absence of normalcy prevails because an estimated 39 insurgent groups operate in this violence ridden and completely ethnically fragmented small State.

The politics of the ballot versus the bullet is the norm in the North-East where the authority of the democratically elected Governments are constantly challenged and threatened by insurgent groups in the region.

If democracy and a multi-party system has come to stay in all the seven States of the North-East, the other reality of organised violence has also become a permanent factor.

This is the complex and contradictory reality of the North-East.

Centre unhappy over NSCN(IM) role in polls

2012-01-31T18:26:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI, Feb 1 – Advising candidates who contested in the Manipur Assembly polls to be cautious, Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram said Centre is unhappy with the NSCN (I-M) over its role in the recent polls.

Acknowledging that the Central Government has reports of NSCN (I-M) cadres indulging in violence, Chidambaram said he condemns the violence in strongest terms and this has been conveyed to the NSCN (I-M) leadership.

Pointing towards the trend of post-poll violence in Manipur, the Home Minister advised caution to the poll candidates. “I have told the candidates to remain safe,” he said.

After the last round of Assembly polls, some 15 persons were killed in post-election violence in the State.

Meanwhile, on January 9, the first meeting of the Committee on Chakma-Hajongs was held at Itanagar to examine various issues relating to settlement and grant of Indian citizenship to eligible Chakmas and Hajongs, the Home Minister said.

“It is difficult for me to give the numbers. The idea is to help them settle in the areas, where they are already there and give them Indian citizenship. Details would be worked out in subsequent meeting,” Chidambaram said.

Describing the recent border incident, when BSF jawans beat up an intruder on camera, as unfortunate, Chidambaram said that after his visit to Bangladesh, there has been no incident of firing across the border. This was an isolated incident and on the same day, the jawans were identified and suspended. An inquiry has been ordered. “I have already assured Bangladesh that anyone found guilty would be punished severely,” he said.

About the progress of works along the India-Bangladesh Border, Chidambaram reported that 5 km of fencing and 5 km of road works were completed under phase II of the project and 6 km of fencing were replaced under phase III of the project. Poles for floodlighting were erected on a length of 30 km and cables were laid on15 km stretch during the month.

On India-China border construction of 23 roads of a total length 700 km is in progress. During the month, 5 km of formation works and 2.16 km of surfacing works were completed. So far, a total of 467 km of formation works and 160.16 km of surfacing works have been completed, he said.

`Many children in Manipur die of HIV, untested and untreated`

2012-01-31T18:20:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL, Feb 1: With the launch of the Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) programme, the onus is now great on outreach workers as the first step in caring for HIV infected children is accurate and early diagnosis of HIV.

This was stated by project director of the Manipur State Aids Control Society (MACS) Dr SK

Chaurasia while inaugurating a one-day capacity building workshop of outreach workers on Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) and HIV Exposed Infants (HEI) care and treatment held here at Hotel Nirmala today.

The workshop is the first in a series of programmes to be held during the next three days for training outreach workers, staff of EID designated centres, District AIDS Control officers and District Supervisers. It is organized by MACS with support from UNICEF, Assam office.

Emphasizing the major role of outreach workers in the successful and effective implementation of the newly launched EID programme in the state, Dr Chaurasia urged the participants to work with full compassion and dedication to enhance the quality of life of HIV exposed children, he called upon them to “reach the unreached.”

Speaking as resource person during the technical session, former project director of MACS, Dr Pramod Kumar, Dr Pramod Kumar expressed concern that service gap in identifying and providing follow-up service to HIV exposed pregnant mothers and their children as well as late detection and diagnosis could lead to worsening of the HIV epidemic in the state.

It is estimated that 94,000 children below 15 yrs are infected with HIV in India, most of which are in the high burden districts of states in South and North-East India, including Manipur. In Manipur during the last five yrs, out of 11,72,116 people tested, 13,064 were found positive, out of which 4,803 were women and 1,369 were children. Sero-prevalence for children increased from 6.8 % in 2004 to 7.6 % in 2008, he said.

Expressing concern, he added that as on October 2010 cumulative number of children living with HIV/AIDS registered in HIV care in the state was 2,431, but only 722 started ART. Hence, the fear is that many children either die untested and untreated, he continued, and further stressed that networking and linkages are extra important.

“We have the technology, medicine, doctors, facility and children who need help, therefore not providing service here would be akin to killing the children ourselves,” he said urging the outreach workers to do their best in closing the gaps in service.

Deputy Director (CST) of MACS, Dr Y. Gopal Krishna, Head of Department of Paediatric Department, RIMS, Prof. Dr. H. Ranbir, Programme Director, Centre of Excellence, Paediatric, JNIMS, Dr. Apabi, Technician at ART Centre, RIMS, Bunty Naorem, and State Co-ordinator of IL&FS, M. Premjit were the other resource persons of the workshop.

Manipur poll: 82 pc turnout of voters; 7 killed in militant violence

2012-01-29T16:25:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL/NEW DELHI: An estimated 82 per cent of the electorate today exercised their franchise in Manipur assembly elections which was marred by militant violence that claimed seven lives, including that of an ultra.

Chief Electoral Officer P C Lawmkunga said as per preliminary official reports, 82 per cent of the 17.50 lakh electorate cast their votes even as details from the state's nine districts were awaited.

Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Shukla said in New Delhi that a person, posing as a voter, entered a polling station in an interior area in Sugnu assembly constituency in Chandel district at around 12:30 and started firing indiscriminately, killing a CRPF man, three polling persons and a voter on the spot.
Also Check: Battle Ground 2012

An injured voter, who was taken to Imphal in a helicopter, succumbed to bullet injuries. The shooter, who is yet to be identified, was also gunned down by CRPF personnel posted at the polling booth.

Bombs suspected to have been planted by militants were seized and defused before the start of polling in Khurai Chingangbam area, Sawombung High School, Khomidok in Imphal East district and Naoremthong High School area in Imphal West district, official sources said.

There were also reports from six other places in the state where mobs damaged Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and in another incident miscreants snatched an EVM, said Shukla.

A total of 12,967 polling personnel were deployed for the elections at 2,357 polling stations.

Around 350 companies of security personnel including 270 central para military force personnel were deployed besides the state armed police. A helicopter was also kept on standby for emergencies.

The run-up to the election witnessed several militant attacks.

A coordination committee of seven major militant groups had called for a ban on all election meetings and campaigning by Congress candidates.

Congress and its partner CPI, which comprise the ruling Secular Progressive Front, fought separately. While Congress contested all the 60 seats, CPI did so in 24.

Trinamool Congress, which has one legislator and is an ally of Congress in West Bengal contested in 47 seats on its own.

Peoples Democratic Front, an opposition five-party alliance comprising Manipur Peoples Party, NCP, CPI-M, Janata Dal (U) and RJD, contested 43 seats.

BJP fielded candidates in 19 seats and Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) in 34. Manipur unit of Nagaland-based party, Naga Peoples Front (NPF), contested in 12 constituencies in the hills.

Fear shrouds elections in Manipur, India's dark jewel

2012-01-27T01:27:00.000-08:00

By Frank Jack DanielIMPHAL, India | (Reuters) - Thrown face down in an open drain by a grenade blast, Maisnam Ratan's bloodied corpse was the latest reminder of the lingering insurgency in Manipur, which elects a state legislature on Saturday.
Manipur, which neighbours Myanmar, is called the Jewel of India for its paddy fields, lakes and green hills. But it has been plagued for decades by a low-intensity war, blamed by authorities on rebels sheltering in Myanmar as well as a stream of drugs and guns seeping through the porous border.
At night, the run-down capital, Imphal, is often lit only by candles and burning garbage because of a chronic electricity shortage. Fearful of threats by rebels who see India as a colonial power, cinemas do not show Bollywood movies and cable television blocks out programmes in Hindi, the country's most widely spoken language.
Ratan was visiting the house of a senior politician from the ruling Congress party on Sunday when the blast went off. It was a relatively small explosion, but tore open his leg and ripped chunks from a wall where long ago somebody had neatly written: "We want peace and harmony."
Neither seems likely in the near future.
Manipur has the highest rates of HIV and drug addiction in the country and young people are migrating in droves.
India's policy-makers are loath to loosen the emergency shoot-to-kill powers imposed in 1958 in Manipur and other northeastern states for fear of giving oxygen to rebel movements in a region that also borders Bangladesh and China.
Perhaps for the same reason, and despite a drop-off in violence that has killed 3,000 in a decade, India has dallied on plans to turn Manipur into a serious trading corridor with Southeast Asia and Myanmar, which is shaking off decades of isolation and welcoming new investment.
Manipur has a direct road link through winding hills with the town of Tamu in Myanmar. It was along this road that Japanese forces attacked India in World War Two before being turned back in battles around Imphal.
The Myanmar army has recently launched offensives against Indian rebel camps on its territory, but several groups are still believed to shelter in the hilly terrain there.
FIRST CASUALTY
Ratan was the first casualty in the build-up to Manipur's state elections, a campaign that has been overshadowed by daily grenade blasts and gunfire as the coalition of rebels targets the ruling Congress party.
"This is not going to undermine the democratic process, peoples' hearts cannot be intimidated by these kind of acts," said visibly shaken Congress candidate Irengbam Hemochandra, minutes after the attack last week. It was his home that was targeted.
Despite the brave words, Manipur's election campaign has been subdued, with only a few, heavily guarded rallies. Police in military-style uniforms armed with automatic rifles line highways and man sandbag barricades outside candidates' homes.
Congress is expected to retain office, thanks to a tradition of Manipur being ruled by the same party that runs the central government, which has a strong hand due to the massive security presence.
One politician visiting from another state, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said she was shocked by what she saw.
"It's like a battlefield, I don't like that," she told Reuters after meeting Irom Sharmila, a woman who has been on a hunger strike for more than ten years to demand an end to the emergency powers. Sharmila is in police custody and is force fed through a nasal tube.
Security forces prowl the streets of Imphal after nightfall, stopping and searching the few vehicles that venture into the gloom. But no trace has been found of two suspects seen slipping away after Sunday's blast.
Close to 30,000 reinforcements have arrived from across India to beef up security at polling stations, doubling the size of the police force in a nerve-wracking operation for Manipur's new police chief Ratnakar Baral, in charge of their welfare.
"Send in local police first in civilian clothes to see that there is not any ambush and they get killed," the police chief ordered a subordinate by telephone from his office on Tuesday. "They are new to Manipur's situation," he explained. "They need to be educated about it and move very carefully."
He has good reason to worry. In the last state election in 2007, 16 uniformed men were killed in a grenade and gunfire attack on their truck.
'DARK FUTURE'
Manipur's security woes, its potholed roads and irregular power supply do not encourage investment in the state, fuelling unemployment that is close to 25 percent.
Last year, protesters calling for more power for the Naga tribe blocked highways into the landlocked state for nearly three months, causing fuel and food scarcity and soaring prices.
"As an economist I see a very dark future. The central government has failed to invest in infrastructure," said N. Mohindro, an expert on trade in the state.
Although economic growth has been strong in recent years, the wealth is not felt on the streets and Manipur remains one of India's poorest states. Educated young people are leaving to study in India's main cities and abroad and are not returning.
"We understand. Why would they come back? There is no electricity, no restaurants, no picture houses even," said one businessman in the city, whose children are all living in India's tech capital, Bangalore. He is thinking of joining them.
Many of those that stay are drawn into drugs -- Manipur is a major transit route for Golden Triangle-produced heroin, smuggled from Myanmar on its way to international markets.
"My problem is my children and my wife. I don't know about Manipur's problems," said Thangchin Lian, 32, an alcoholic and sometimes heroin user from the Paite tribe who recently discovered he and his pregnant wife have HIV. Their two year-old boy is not infected.
Speaking in their neat wood and bamboo stilt house on the edge of Churanchandpur, an hour's drive from Imphal, pregnant Niangbai Lian said many of their friends were also infected but struck an optimistic note.
"I love Manipur," said Lian, who is taking anti-retrovirals for her illness and hopes to join the state's large police force after her baby is born.
"I was born here and there is hope for the young, as long as they struggle and work."
(Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Nick Macfie)

Campaign ends in Manipur

2012-01-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi during a press conference in New Delhi. Photo: R.V. Moorthy
The three-week campaign, marked by heat and dust, for the elections to the 60-seat Manipur Assembly ended at 3 p.m. on Thursday.

There are 279 contestants in the fray in the Congress-ruled State, which has 17.40 lakh voters, including 8.82 lakh women.Polling on SaturdayChief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi told The Hindu that all arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth and fair polling, which would be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

He condemned the killing earlier in the day of a head constable and a constable of the Central Reserve Police Force, involved in poll duty, allegedly in sniper fire by militants at Chasad in Ukhrul district.

Security tightened

Deputy Election Commissioner Alok Shukla, who is in charge of Manipur, said the killings would not deter the EC from ensuring peaceful polling, and efforts had been made to tighten security.

Of the 60 seats, one is reserved for the Scheduled Castes and 19 are for the Scheduled Tribes.

Official sources here said most of the personnel had left for their polling stations in the hill districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur.

In Manipur elections, a test for ‘Nagalim'

2012-01-26T16:51:00.001-08:00

Vasundhara SirnateRahul Verma

When Manipur goes to the polls, there is much for the rest of India to pay attention to.
“Last year, Ibobi and his cabinet decided that they will not allow the Naga Chief Minister to enter the State, but now that the elections have been announced, he no longer has the power to prevent me from coming here and meeting you … But if you let him win again I will not be able to come to Manipur to meet all of you.” That was Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, speaking at an election rally in Manipur's Tamenglong district on January 19. He was addressing a gathering of Manipuri Nagas while campaigning for candidates of the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) that is contesting the Assembly elections for the first time in Manipur.

This public shot at the Manipur Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh, has much history. Mr. Rio and Mr. Ibobi are both equally dynamic leaders and have forged serious political reputations. Mr. Rio has been engaged in galvanising support of the Naga population in Manipur and Mr. Ibobi has acquired a reputation for being hard on insurgent groups. Both have become political leaders in their States in challenging times. Nagaland and Manipur are insurgency-hit States and the levels and type of insurgency in both States are deeply connected.

How do we explain Mr. Rio's curious political commentary that has involved calling Mr. Ibobi, a Manipuri Meitei, “an enemy of the Nagas?” And how do we analyse what the electoral consequences of such polarising speech might be.

Manipur has nine districts and 60 Assembly constituencies. Thirty-nine constituencies lie in the Meitei dominated valley, which forms the heart of the Congress' electoral calculus in the State. In the last two decades, forging a majority in the Assembly has proved tough for any political party. And Mr. Ibobi's two terms as Chief Minister have provided some political stability in the State that saw seven governments between 1990 and 2002. Mr. Rio's provocative speeches are intended to break Mr. Ibobi's popularity by polarising the Meitei and Naga voters. His calculation rests on attempting to position some of the 12 NPF candidates in the Manipur Assembly, in a bid to further the demand for Greater Nagalim within the Manipur Assembly. However, the Meiteis who live in the small Manipur Valley are 60 per cent of the population. The Manipuri Nagas cohabit with Kuki tribes in four hill districts of Manipur — Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Senapati and Chandel.

The divide between hill tribes (Kuki, Naga) and the Valley people (Meitei) has been a prominent political division in Manipur. Within the hill districts, Kuki and Naga militia have been at loggerheads since the 1990s, with Kuki groups asking for the establishment of an Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Senapati, and Naga groups, backed by the NPF and the Naga Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN I-M), demanding that large chunks of the four hill districts be part of Greater Nagalim since these areas were inhabited by Tangkhul Nagas.

When the Centre decided to hold ADC elections in Manipur, the All Naga Students Association of Manipur and the Naga Students Federation began a blockade of NH-39 in April 2010 to protest the decision. In May 2010, the crisis took a bitter turn when the State government disallowed NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his village in Ukhrul. During the four-month long blockade, Manipur was strapped for severely needed resources like petrol, LPG and basic food commodities.

As Kuki-Naga tensions worsened, the NSCN (I-M) was accused of trying to stall the democratic process in Manipur where nearly 200,000 voters would vote. A year later, in 2011, Kuki groups from Manipur started a 122-day blockade to draw attention to their demand — declare Sarda in Senapati district an autonomous district for Kukis. Both blockades crippled the State economically and losses ran to the tune of Rs. 250 crore.

The upcoming Assembly elections are of key significance because they have the potential to mainstream the demands by the NPF and the Kuki groups and bring them under the purview of political discussion conducted by elected representatives. However, Manipuri Nagas have often resisted attempts by the NSCN (I-M) to incorporate them. For the Central government, negotiating with the Naga insurgent leadership has become a standard policy, evinced by two ceasefires. With the Naga insurgency in its 65th year, Kuki groups fear that Greater Nagalim may come about sooner than expected, if only to put an end to the persistent NSCN (I-M) demand and their insurgent activities.

Regardless of the political outcome in Manipur, Mr. Rio's speech allows him to appear committed to the Nagalim cause, especially to voters in Nagaland. This will help him politically in the 2013 Assembly elections in Nagaland. For the NPF, Mr. Rio's speeches could help forge electoral coalitions that benefit the party in Manipur. However, a Congress leader has noted that Mr. Rio's efforts will only consolidate the non-Naga voters, which include the Meiteis and the Kukis. Mr. Ibobi has also expressed the doubt that Manipuri Nagas will be drawn in by Mr. Rio's rhetoric. This boomerang effect may end up favouring Mr. Ibobi and the Congress (I).

Before this, Mr. Ibobi was contesting a tough election as five Opposition parties had united under the banner of People's Democratic Front. The Front currently includes the Manipur's People Party (MPP), the Nationalist Congress Party, the CPI (M), the Janata Dal (United), and the Rashtriya Janta Dal. Mr. Rio's speech has unintentionally made Mr. Ibobi appear the one person who can effectively block the demand for Greater Nagalim.

Naga leaders have claimed that Greater Nagalim includes Naga-inhabited territories in Myanmar, China and India. Nagaland was created in 1963. Yet, in what seemed to be a politically motivated strategy to divide and disable the Naga insurgency, many Naga inhabited areas were placed in the State of Manipur when it was created in 1971. Today, Nagalim in theory comprises the Nagaland state, adjoining areas of Assam (Karbi Anglong, North Cachar), areas of Arunachal Pradesh (Tirap and Changlang), and significant parts of the hill districts of Manipur. With the NSCN (I-M) leadership in Tangkhul hands, the commitment to wrest the four Manipuri hill districts has become stronger.

So when Manipur goes to the polls on January 28, there is much for mainland Indians to pay attention to. The State has the largest number of active insurgent groups over time, 39 , operating in an area the size of Silicon Valley (8000 sq. miles). It also has an average voter turnout of 85 per cent in spite of insurgent group threats (higher than most other Indian States). Anna Hazare's hunger strike pales in comparison with that of a lone Manipuri woman, Irom Sharmila, which is now in its 11th year. Her fast is against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act which has been used in Manipur, almost uninterrupted, since 1980.

This election is a testing ground to assess the payoffs involved in trying to mobilise the Naga votes outside Nagaland, with Arunachal Pradesh being the NPF's next electoral target. The NPF is clearly interested in becoming a true regional player in the northeast and Mr. Rio's current campaign is part of a new history of Greater Nagalim, where the demand is articulated through an over ground party driven political process.

(Vasundhara Sirnate and Rahul Verma are Ph.D students at the Travers Department of Political Science, University of California, Berkeley.)

India, Thailand to expedite trade talks

2012-01-25T17:16:00.001-08:00

To deepen their strategic engagement, both sides also signed six pacts, including a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation

New Delhi: India and Thailand agreed on Wednesday to speed up talks for the early conclusion of a comprehensive bilateral trade pact by this year, with both sides looking to almost double trade to $14 billion by 2014.
To deepen their strategic engagement, both sides also signed six pacts, including a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation. In a sign of the closer economic linkages between Asia’s third largest economy and one of the key economies in Southeast Asia, India’s second largest synthetic fibre maker, Indorama Synthetic (India), signed an accord with Thailand-based Indorama Ventures to invest $700 million for setting up an integrated plant in India, a company official said, without giving further details.These developments came on a day when visiting Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. Yingluck is the first woman prime minister of Thailand, a key country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
She is the chief guest at India’s Republic Day Parade this year, the second year in a row India has invited an Asean head of state or government for the event. Last year, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was the guest of honour.
Singh said India viewed Thailand, a maritime neighbour, as “a close friend” and a “valued regional partner”. “Developing close relations with Thailand is an important component of our ‘Look East’ policy,” he said, referring to India’s policy of developing close ties with Asean that was launched in the early 1990s.
“We have agreed to expedite the conclusion of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement that would include goods, services and investment,” Singh said, adding, “We have also concluded a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. I conveyed to the Prime Minister that we welcome more Thai investment into India, especially in the manufacturing, infrastructure and services sectors.”
Bilateral trade in 2011 was $8.19 billion, Indian government data show.
The defence pact will see greater cooperation between India and Thailand in the maritime sector, a person close to the developments said. “Strong India-Thailand relations contribute to peace, prosperity and stability in the region,” Singh said, adding later that India also viewed a role of Thailand in developing India’s northeast—a region riven with insurgencies that the Indian government is keen to develop speedily in a bid to quell the unrest. “We have agreed to intensify progress on connectivity projects such as the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. We have specifically decided to set up a joint working group on infrastructure and connectivity,” Singh said.
In her remarks, Yingluck said the decision to set up a joint working group on increasing connectivity will help integrate Thailand and northeast India through Myanmar. Earlier in remarks to the Indian industry, Yingluck sought a new maritime route connecting India to Thailand. “We could set up a maritime linkage with Chennai and Dawei seaport in Myanmar” and onward to Thailand, she said.

Headlines Crorepatis gear up to win polls, CM missing cut drew surprises

2012-01-24T20:03:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI, Jan 25 : Manipur, a state often forgotten in mainland India does not lag far behind when it comes to money power to win elections. With 291 politicians from 8 parties vying for 60 seats in the state assembly, the January 28 Manipur elections has crorepatis gearing up to win the polls.

But surprisingly Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is not even a crorepati, his declared assets are being questioned by many. He owns just a 1988-make Ambassador and 240 gm of gold. From just Rs 6 lakhs in 2007, his asset value has now gone up to Rs 71 lakhs. But for a man rumoured to have properties across the country - from Gurgaon to Bangalore to Goa, the valuation seems to be small change.

The maximum growth in assets has been for state\'s powerful information and tourism minister TN Haokip's assets have grown by over Rs 9.77 Crore.

Haokip is followed by his party's Kh Govindas with an asset growth of over Rs 2.1 Crore and Haokholet Kipgen of National People's Party whose assets increased by Rs Rs 2.09 Crore.

Among the richest candidates in the fray also include NCP's Radhabinod Koijam with Rs 1.13 crore. Koijam's wife's assets is worth Rs 70 lakh. Trinamool Congress has two members in crorepati club - T Thangzalam Haokip with Rs 2.36 crore and Kongkham Manglam Singh (Mayang Imphal constituency) with Rs 1.30 crore and immovable assets worth Rs 1 crore.

TMC, meanwhile, also has the poorest candidate; Khadga Bahadur has declared himself as penniless in his affidavit.

While 33 crorepatis have jumped into the fray to get elected, affidavits filed by sitting MLAs show that many have turned nouveau rich.

Since 2007, Average assets of each recontesting MLAs have jumped at least 4 times to Rs 1.2 crore in 2012 from Rs 24 lakhs which means a growth of a whopping 414 per cent.

Clearly, money is not in shortage when it comes to Manipur but in a tax-less part of India, it's very easy to hide your actual assets.

Dust Track: A quick speech and hot samosas

2012-01-24T04:49:00.001-08:00

SUSANTA TALUKDAR

It's 2.30 p.m. Sunday afternoon. The high security convoy of Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh rolls into the sprawling Kanglatombi football ground for an election rally of the Congress candidate for Sekmai Assembly constituency. Sekmai, a scheduled caste reserved seat in the 60-member Manipur Assembly, is also known for its indigenous liquor, which is also called ‘Sekmai.'

As he alights from his official car, a luxurious BMW SUV, young women clad in the colourful traditional attire of Meitei, Kuki and Nepali communities welcome him. A posse of elite security guards equipped with automatic weapons surround him as makes way to the dais.

For the next half-hour before he is due to address the crowd, the Chief Minister is in conversation with his Cabinet colleague N. Biren, candidate from Sekmai Kh. Devendro Singh, Congress MP from Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency Th Meina Singh, on the dais.

Mr Ibobi, the star campaigner of the ruling party, who himself is seeking re-election from his Thoubal Assembly segment, has only two rallies on this day. First, he drives about 15 km on National Highway 39 after leaving his official residence in Imphal at 8.30 to address an election meeting at Liolong Assembly constituency in Thoubal district. After spending about 45 minutes there, Mr Ibobi is back home for lunch. After a quick bite, he heads towards the Kanglatombi rally venue.

Fortified venue

Well before the Chief Minister's arrival, men and women of Sekmai constituency are streaming into the fortified meeting venue. They are let in after passing through a door frame metal detector and body frisking by security personnel on duty. High security measures are in place due to the “ban” imposed on the Congress by the CorCom (Co-ordination Committee), of seven armed rebel groups — the UNLF, the RPF, the KCP, the PREPAK, the PREPAK(Pro), the KYKL and the UPPK — from contesting the elections. CorCom has not only warned candidates and activists against any election-related activity but has also carried out a series of grenade and bomb attack to enforce it.

A section of Sekmai residents, however, are gathered on the opposite side of the highway where the Communist Party of India (CPI) candidate from the constituency Ayangbam Oken Singh is addressing an election meeting. The Congress and the CPI shared power for the past five years as partners in the Ibobi-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) but decided to contest on their own this time. In 2007, the CPI won the Sekmai seat.

Mr Ibobi, in his 15-minute speech, keeping in mind the composition of voters in Sekmai constituency, harps on peace and harmony while appealing to the voters to give the Congress another chance.

“People of Kanglatombi, who belong to different communities, have been living in harmony for ages. Some people are trying to create a division by dubbing the Nepali community of this area as foreigners. The Congress party will, however, never allow such division to happen in Manipur and it firmly stands for unity of all sections irrespective of caste, creed, community or language,” he says.

Looking for a hat-trick

While the Congress is looking at a third consecutive term, this election is also an opportunity for Mr Ibobi also to do a hat-trick as Chief Minister. After his appeal to the voters to elect Congress candidates for a strong and stable government, Mr Ibobi signs off with a lighter comment on issuing of party tickets.

“As many as four candidates applied for ticket from this constituency. But it is not like cinema tickets that we can give a ticket to all of them,” says Mr Ibobi. The crowd listening to him and others in pin drop silence bursts out in laughter.

A group of Congress volunteers swings into action serving hot samosas to everyone present as soon as Mr Ibobi finishes his speech. He leaves the venue after lingering a few minutes on the dais, striding quickly to his BMW... and the convoy trundles on to the NH 39 taking him back to his official residence.

Delhi police finally arrest main suspect in rape of Manipuri girl

2012-01-23T20:51:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL, Jan 24 : Delhi police have arrested the main suspect in the rape case of one Manipuri girl in Delhi on January 18.

A release of Northeast Support Centre and Helpline stated that the police took up the action after a delegation of women leaders from the northeast met the chairperson of National Commission for Women and Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Delhi Range).

The delegation was led by Jarjum Ete, general secretary of National Alliance for Women, June Rose Vaiphei, member of Manipur State Commission for Women and general secretary of Manipur Pradesh Mahila Congress Committee, spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline, Madhu Chandra and secretary Rev. Ambika Hongsha.

The suspect’s name is Anuj Saini as printed in the Bank ATM card recovered from the spot where the rape took place.

The 20-years-old Manipur girl was raped by the man who came in a car. He offered lift from Gurgaon to Mahipalpur while the victim was waiting for public bus at around 8.45. The man forcefully drove to an isolated area in Dwarka sector 20 and raped her inside car. The man even attempted to murder her after rape.

The matter was reported to Dwarka Sector 23 police station and a Bank ATM card belonging to the man who committed the crime was discovered by Delhi police from the spot.

The arrest came after five days from the occurrence of the incident.

Meanwhile, Manipuri Students’ Federation (MSF) has strongly condemned the rape of one Manipuri girl in New Delhi on January.

A release of the federation stated that the people of mainland India still have discriminatory attitude towards the northeast people who are different culturally and racially.

The MSF further cautioned the Manipuris staying outside the state to remain alert and prevent such unwanted incident in the future.

Hasina Kharbhih: Raising the Stakes Against Child Trafficking

2012-01-18T19:24:00.001-08:00

By SRUTHI GOTTIPATI

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/17/hasina-kharbhih-raising-the-stakes-against-child-trafficking/

Hasina Kharbhih, 40, has spent the better part of her life working for human rights. She started a nonprofit, Impulse, and developed a comprehensive strategy to prevent child trafficking called the Meghalaya Model, which is being applied in eight Indian states. The activist, who is based in Shillong in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, was in Delhi earlier this month to receive a North East Excellence Award from the Indian Chamber of Commerce. The award honored her service in the field of human rights and trafficking, HIV and AIDS intervention, and for providing livelihood support for individuals in the rural areas of the northeast.

Courtesy Hasina KharbhihHasina Kharbhih, founder, Impulse

Could you tell me a bit about your nonprofit and what it does?

Impulse works toward ensuring equal human rights are provided for all particularly women and children. The mission is twofold: to provide direct provisions for those in need of care, protection, and empowerment, and to create networks with the community, other nonprofits and government bodies to ensure that a rights-based approach is used by all. Impulse is committed to the goal of enabling individuals to live a life of dignity and respect. For the past 11 years, we have been working to combat human trafficking and cross-border trafficking in the northeast of India.

Why is child trafficking such a pervasive problem in the northeast?

Northeast India shares international borders with China, Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, Bhutan. It is a source, transit and a destination point. Destination in the context of the children working in the coal mines as slave labor with low wages. The demand for young girls from the region for job opportunities within India and Southeast Asia by unauthorized recruiting agencies makes the girls more vulnerable to human trafficking. These girls are generally coerced into commercial sex trade.

How did you get into this field?

I started as an active volunteer of Leadership Training Services at St. Joseph’s School, Shillong. As a volunteer, I was involved in a lot of social work and that got me experienced, which was a first step to what I am doing today.

Your Meghalaya Model is approved by the Indian government and supported by the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime and UN Women. Could you tell me what the Meghalaya Model is and how you went about developing it?

The Meghalaya Model is a comprehensive, holistic approach to address child trafficking and it works within the five P’s (Prevention, Protection, Policing, Press and Prosecution) and the three R’s (Rescue, Rehabilitation and Repatriation). It is a model that brings together various stakeholders such as the law enforcement, social welfare, labor department, education, civil society, media and judiciary. They pull in their resources in addressing the issue in the absence of funding. The Meghalaya Model has been replicated in the eight states of the northeast. I also received an Ashoka Fellowship for this idea that helped me to scale it up.

How have you managed to bring various government agencies to work together to combat this problem?

The model itself focuses on the involvement and coordination of various government agencies to collectively respond with available resources. A crime issue cannot be addressed just by a civil society organization. It requires government intervention simultaneously.

What inspired you to be committed to this field?

My inspiration comes from what I do every day, the changes I have been able to bring and the ground experiences. The steps I have taken that have brought about changes makes me believe that change can happen. It inspires me to do more.

What is the biggest challenge you face?

The biggest challenge as a human rights defender is working on crime issues. It’s an ongoing process. I’ve faced threats, attacks myself while addressing the issue of human trafficking, especially when bringing the traffickers behind bars.

What, according to you, is your biggest accomplishment? What are you most proud of?

My biggest accomplishment, so far, is to see the replication of the Meghalaya Model in the eight northeastern states within the span of 10 years. I am proud to see it happening in my lifetime of work. The other is the implementation of the handbook for law enforcement in all the police training schools of the eight (northeastern) states. Other police academies in the country are also approaching us.

What are your goals going forward?

My goal going forward is long-term prevention activities to address human trafficking by providing livelihood initiatives through Impulse Social Enterprises. It’s a social mission-driven company comprising various brands, products, and services that uplift communities and advance the mission for equitable human rights.

If there are readers interested in volunteering or working to combat human trafficking, how would you suggest they go about doing so?

If readers are interested to volunteer with Impulse they can visit our Web site, go to the section ‘get involved’ and browse the handbook for volunteers and send an online application.

Hang(shing) is king in Sabuol

2012-01-18T19:19:00.001-08:00

Oinam Sunil

SABUOL (CHURACHANDPUR): "If I can take care of my subjects, why can't ministers? We have a good climate, our people do well in every sphere of life, so why can't politicians take our state forward?"

Chingjapao Hangshing, the tribal "king" of Sabuol, one of the smallest Kuki villages in Manipur's Churachandpur district, strongly feels Manipur can progress and attain glory if the administration is streamlined.

Hangshing lords over a " kingdom" atop a hill which has a population of about 200 Kukis and 160 voters. It lies on National Highway 150, connecting Imphal with Mizoram via Churachandpur. "I can run my village smoothly and peacefully, then why can't these big men?" asks Hangshing, who took over the reins of his "kingdom" from his father Tungjakap Hangshing in 1996.

Hangshing has had his fare share of struggle, too. Though he cleared the Class-XII exams from the prestigious Sainik School Imphal, he couldn't complete his engineering course from the Regional Engineering College, Durgapur (now NIT Durgapur) as his father couldn't afford the expenses of travelling from Sabuol to Durgapur via Kolkata as also the college fees.

But such setbacks did not take away his essential goodness as the village chief. "I don't allow any of my villagers to starve. If they don't have anything to eat, I give them rice and help them earn a livelihood," says the tribal king sitting on the verandah of his house surrounded by lush hills, and then he adds, "since I am from the Sainik School, army officers posted in the area have always respected me and helped my village. In 2007, one of my Sainik School colleagues was posted as commanding officer of an Assam Rifles unit here. I helped them broker peace with the Kukis."

Kuki militants have signed a Suspension of Operations agreement with the Okram Ibobi Singh government now and living in designated camps waiting for peace talks to begin. "My contribution was very small and perhaps no one will ever take note of it. But I have no regrets as long as peace returns to our land," he says.

Sushilo Singh, a private school teacher working in Churachandpur, is full of praise for Hangshing. "If our politicians act like Hangshing, most of our problems will be solved. Funds come from the Centre, but then they don't reach us. Such is the state of corruption here."

Hangshing has had to weather many storms to keep his village together. Two years after becoming the king, ethnic clashes between Kukis and Paites tore his village apart. Over 1,500 people lost their lives. Then came the threat of militants.

"I approached the Gorkha Rifles for security using my Sainik School reference. They came to our village and guarded us till the ethnic strife ended. Villagers from neighbouring Tuilaphai also took shelter in our village when they saw Gorkhas were deployed here," says Hangshing.

He's even allowed three Nepali families to stay in his village and rear cows. Hangshing is a democratic to the core. So, despite being a Kuki, he supported Paite candidate Phungzathang Tonsing, power minister ( Congress), in the last election. He strongly believes ethnic and religious considerations should not impede the democratic process.

But this time he is undecided about which candidate to vote for though he feels the election will be more free and fair this year. "All candidates will come to campaign here, but they cannot do so without my permission. All villagers have their right to choose their candidate and we can't force anyone. At the most, we can make an appeal on behalf of a candidate," he says.

Once, an Assam Rifles commandant gifted Hangshing a crate of whisky. But since he did not drink, he distributed it among his villagers. They were very happy with the king's gesture.

Many years back when his father could not send him money for his studies because he needed that fund to spend on his subjects, Hangshing was a frustrated youth. He drowned his misery in alcohol. He kept hitting the bottle even after becoming the king. One day he heard people talking about him being a "drunkard". That very day he decided to give up the bottle.

"In 2005, I surrendered to God and asked him to give me courage to give up alcohol. By God's grace, I managed to quit drinking," says Hangshing, a devout Christian.

Northeast girls being trafficked to Haryana for marriage

2012-01-18T17:35:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI: A large number of girls from the northeast are being regularly trafficked and forced to enter into wedlock in Haryana, the home ministry has found. Law enforcement agencies have found many such instances, specifically in Hissar district of the state.

A definite trend was noted by the home ministry which on Wednesday reviewed measures being taken by different states to combat human trafficking which takes the dimension of organized crime in the country.

It was also noted during the day-long meeting that girls from Nepal, Bangladesh and different parts of the country were often trafficked to metropolitan cities. While most of them ended up in brothels, the remaining were used by traffickers as child labourers, organ transplant donors and camel jockeys.

"We have recovered many girls from Hissar in Haryana. All of them were forcibly married after being trafficked," Assam superintendent of police Violet Baruah said after a meeting of state anti-trafficking cell officers here.

Baruah said the issue has been a major concern for Assam and such crimes have been taking place very often and happening due to the dismal sex ratio in Haryana.

Additional secretary in the home ministry B Bhamathi, who chaired the review meeting, said, "It is a major concern for us. With a view to tackling the menace of human trafficking, the ministry has undertaken a number of measures that include setting up of an anti-trafficking nodal cell to act as a focal point for communicating various decisions and follow up on action taken by the state governments."

Bhamathi said the home ministry had sanctioned a comprehensive scheme against trafficking in human beings through training and capacity building.

"It is proposed to establish 330 anti-human trafficking units (AHTUs) throughout the country and impart training to 10,000 police officers through training of trainers component," she said.

The ministry has already released Rs 8.72 crore to all states as first installment for 2010-11 for setting up 115 AHTUs. All states have received funds and 101 AHTUs are functional. Funds for 2011-12 have also been released to the state governments for establishment of 110 AHTUs.

A project on strengthening law enforcement response in India against trafficking in human beings was taken up in the home ministry as a joint initiative of the government of India and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in select states.

"The joint project has contributed towards developing of 12 very important resource books about protocols and standard operating procedures and in setting up of AHTUs," Bhamathi said.

Manipur polls: Fewer criminals, more crorepatis in the fray

2012-01-18T17:33:00.003-08:00

Of the 258 candidates in the electoral fray in Manipur for the forthcoming assembly elections, only three have criminal charges registered against them.

According to the Association for Democratic Reforms, which analyses the affidavits filed by candidates, only three face criminal charges.

As many as 33 candidates contesting the assembly polls are crorepatis.

Incidentally, 66 per cent of candidates have never filed income tax returns and 35 per cent of them have not furnished their PAN details.

There are 246 male candidates in the fray and only 12 women candidates.

The ADR has also compared the asset details of 41 legislators, who are contesting this year, with the information furnished by them during the earlier elections in 2007.

Not surprisingly, there is a whopping increase in the assets of these members of legislative assembly. On an average, their assets have grown from Rs 23 lakh to Rs 1.2 crore, leading to a considerable percentage growth of 414 per cent.

Manipur: IT raids; seizes 36 lakh

2012-01-18T17:33:00.001-08:00

In poll bound Manipur, sleuths of the Income Tax Department have seized 36 lakh and 50 thousand rupees in cash from the possession of one businessman at Thangal Bazar in Imphal.

Official sources said, on a tip of information, IT officials raided the residence of the businessman yesterday and recovered the money. An undisclosed account of 10 crore of rupees was also found from him.

Following the incident, IT sleuths have raided the residence of the businessman’s younger brother located at Jaipur in Rajasthan. Investigation is going on to ascertain whether the seized money is meant for election purposes or not. Meanwhile, expenditure observers of the forthcoming state assembly elections and IT officials are keeping strict vigil on the candidates and major money transactions in the state.

Manipur journalists condemn threats to media from insurgents

2012-01-17T17:20:00.001-08:00

Imphal, Jan 18 : over 200 media persons took out a rally in Imphal to protest against the recent bomb attacks on two media houses.

The rally organized under the aegis of the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union protested against the explosion of a planted bomb outside the media houses of Naharolgi Thoudang and Sangai Express , daily newspapers from Imphal, on January 2 and January 6 and the involvement of the Kangleipak Communist Party Military Council in them.

Responding to the attack, editorials of various newspapers in Imphal went blank on January 3 and media houses remained closed on January 6.

Following these two incidents the state government is providing media houses with security.

"Recently, some insurgent outfits have threatened the media and the press. They are attacking us on the matter of what to publish and what not to publish. We are working under the guidelines of the Press Constitution of India. They have no right to stop us from working peacefully," said Khoirom Loyalakpa, Editor, Naharolgi Thoudang, a Daily Manipuri vernacular.

Journalists in Manipur have regularly been reporting on the unlawful activities of insurgents.

Their editorials and columns have continuously reflected the pains and agonies of people and helped to create awareness about the atrocities that are committed by them in the state.

Today, a situation has come where insurgents enjoy zero support from people who only now want peace and development in the state.

"As a media person, we have experienced so many risks in the state. We want to tell the outfit clearly that we neither have friends nor enemies, but that we are completely independent. So, why are we being targeted? We have rules and ethics to be followed in order to publish on any issue. So, we strongly condemn such incidents," said A Chaoba Sharma, a journalist with the Imphal Free Press.

31 years on, AFSPA still a poll issue in Manipur

2012-01-16T23:20:00.001-08:00

Three decades after it was imposed in Manipur to deal with insurgents, the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is still an issue used by parties during electioneering for the January 28 Assembly poll in the state.

While parties like the BJP and NCP are in favour of creating an atmosphere for removing the AFSPA, CPI(M) and Manipur People’s Party (MPP), the oldest regional party of the state, were for outright removal of the Act. The ruling Congress, however, was yet to declare its
views on the Act which was imposed in Manipur in September, 1980 when insurgent activities were at its peak in the state.

While releasing the party manifesto, NCP general secretary PA Sangma had said his party would create an atmosphere for removal of the Act if his party came to power. NCP would raise the issue during campaigning, he said.

Irom Sharmila has been on a fast for over 10 years demanding withdrawal of the AFSPA from the state. Reuters

The BJP too has said in its manifesto that it would create an atmosphere and bring law and order situation to normalcy so that the AFSPA would be no longer necessary.

Leaders of the Congress were tight-lipped about its position on the act, saying the state unit was in consultation with the High Command to bring out its manifesto.

A spokesman of the Manipur People’s Party (MPP), which had ruled the state twice, said the party would work for removal of the Act from the state if it came to power. Asked why they did not remove the Act when it was in power, the spokesman said the situation was different then.

CPI(M) politburo member Brinda Karat said her party was against continuation of AFSPA in Manipur but major ruling parties have been playing delaying tactics over the issue.

AFSPA would not bring any solution and instead it would prolong the problem, she said, adding it was now time for the government both at the Centre and state to act.

Various other political parties, which were yet to come out of their manifestos, said they would raise the AFSPA issue in their campaigns.

Social activist Irom Sharmila has been on a fast for over 10 years demanding withdrawal of the Act from the state after Assam Rifles personnel killed ten persons in an ‘encounter’ with unknown militants at Imphal Airport area in 2000. Sharmila has been force fed through a tube.

Civil society organisations have also been demanding withdrawal of the Act from the state.

17.40 lakh voters to decide fate of 279 aspirants

2012-01-16T16:09:00.001-08:00

Sobhapati Samom

IMPHAL, Jan 17 – A total of 17,40,819 electorate including 8,89,497 females will decide the fate of 279 candidates including 14 woman candidates for the 60 seats in the Manipur Assembly polls on January 28.
Congress has fielded candidates in all the 60 seats while All India Trinamool Congress and Manipur State Congress Party have fielded 47 and 27 candidates respectively. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had fielded 22 candidates, CPI 23, BJP 19, Manipur People’s Party 14, Naga People’s Front (NPF) 12, JD (U) 11, CPI(M) 2.

On the last of withdrawal of the candidature on Saturday, 11 candidates including former Minister and NCP candidate Md Maniruddin Sheikh have withdrawn their nomination papers.

There are 14 women candidates of whom 10 are from the four valley districts and four from four hill districts while there are not less than 15 candidates under the age of 40. The lone woman legislator O Landhoni, wife of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, is contesting on a Congress ticket for the second time from her native Khangabok seat in Thoubal district. There were just six women candidates in the last Assembly polls.

Three Assembly constituencies will witness straight contests – Kakching, Karong and Moirang.

Five sitting MLAs – Thangminlien Kipgen (Kangpokpi), Morung Makunga (Tengnoupal), Dr Khashim Ruivah(Chingai),M Thorii (Mao) and Md Helaluddin (Lilong) did not file their nominations papers.

Manifesto: The two major pre-poll alliance partners of the recently formed People’s Democratic Front (PDF) – NCP and Manipur People’s Party (MPP) have released their manifestoes here on Sunday.

In their manifestoes, both the alliance partners stand for the State’s territorial integrity and communal harmony, repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, solution of insurgency problem, re-introduction of Inner Line Permit, good governance, peace and development.

Releasing NCP’s manifesto, former Lok Sabha Speaker and party’s General Secretary PA Sangma said, “There are so many problems in Manipur which the Congress could not solve in the last so many years. So, we thought the likeminded regional and national parties must come together and rescue the State from all these problems as we single handedly cannot give an alternative,”. He added, “We hope, if we fight together, we can give a viable alternative government in Manipur.”

Sangma, who was here to campaign for the party, was speaking to the media here on Sunday.

Dam protest unites Kukis and kindred spirits in Myanmar

2012-01-16T16:04:00.001-08:00

Rhe Statesman| 15 January 2012:
LAST month, Kuki women from Manipur demonstrated in New Delhi to show solidarity with kindred spirits in Myanmar (Sagaing division) who are demanding that construction of the Tamanthi Dam be stopped. Many Myanmarese refugees living in the capital also participated. Tamanthi Dam, a hydel project on the Chindwin river, is being built by the National Hydroelectric Project Corporation of India and Colenco Power Engineering Ltd, Switzerland, at an estimated cost of $3 billion. The dam will be 80 metres high and, when completed, will have an installed capacity of 1,200 MW. India and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect in 2004. The Chindwin is a tributary of the Irrawady river that originates from Hukawng Valley of Kachin state and flows through Sagaing division. Its catchment areas are in Mizoram and Manipur. When completed, the project will supply power to Myanmar and also Indias North-east border states. Already 2,000 villagers have been displaced and another 45,000 are likely to be affected as and when work progresses. The victims are the indigenous Kuki communities who depend entirely on the fertile farmland of the Chindwin riverine areas for cultivation. The demonstrators alleged that there were no livelihood options in the relocated site, nor had they been given any proper rehabilitation package. They were offered compensation of just five dollars for the loss of their land. Villagers also alleged that their settlements were literally bulldozed. A total 2,500 acres in Leivomjang and 3,500 acres in Tazone villages have already been forcefully acquired.
The "equity" deal in the politik of climate change no longer works for India, which figures among the main carbon emitters. India should also realise that “equity" or commitment for domestic reduction on carbon emission is neither permission to exercise a free hand along the borders over its neighbours forests, rivers, people and wildlife habitats.
It may be noted that many ethnic communities from Myanmar have taken refuge across the Indian border states of Manipur and Mizoram. The juntas repressive rule displaced many Myanmarese citizens. A publication of the Burma Rivers Network states that these communities, inhabitating the Indo-Myanmarese borders, were allegedly described as "foreigners" by the military regime. In 1968, during the reign of General Ne Win, about 20,000 Kukis from 60 villages in northwest Myanmar were asked to leave the country. A recent estimate by Refugee International reveals that there are about 100,000 Myanmarese refugees in the North-east, particularly in Mizoram and Manipur. Every year, about 500 of them, from mostly ethnic communities, make their way to Delhi.
Indias commitment to reduce global warming and its emergence among the global players of "climate change" could well be strengthened by committing itself to care for nature and human lives in these sensitive border areas. It would help a long way in solving the acute problems that continue to rage in the region. Perhaps India would have to cater to an additional influx of "climate refugees" joining the thousands of political exiles in the country.

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Civil society, church leaders want resumption of peace talks

2012-01-14T22:45:00.001-08:00

Aizawl, Jan 15 (PTI) The meeting of representatives of all civil societies and church leaders at Mizoram-Manipur border Sakawrdai village yesterday expressed the desire for resumption of peace talks between the state government and the Hmar People's Convention - Democrats. The meeting, held in the wake of the Union Home Ministry's instruction to the Mizoram government to resume parleys with the HPC-D, endorsed the efforts made by all political parties of the area. Mizoram government, however, has earlier said that it would not say 'yes' to everything the Home Ministry said and that the stance of the government would be clarified to the Centre. State home minister R Lalzirliana said that it would also be difficult to decide which faction of the HPC-D would the government talk to. The HPC-D faction, led by Lalhmingthanga Sanate also snubbed the overtures of the political parties in the area saying that the political parties in the area, especially HPC led by Thanglianchhung did not have any right to urge for negotiations.

Manipur: 266 Nominations Filed Till Now

2012-01-12T00:26:00.001-08:00

According to preliminary reports 266 candidates have filed nomination papers for the 60-member Manipur assembly polls on January 28 but the final count could be reached only after getting details from interior hill districts, election office sources said today.

Yesterday was the last date of filing nomination papers and scrutiny would be done today. The date of withdrawal was slated on January 14 next.

The exact number of candidates would be known only after scrutiny and compiling reports from returning officers posted in the interior areas, the election office said.

Ruling Congress has fielded candidates in all the 60 constituencies including Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, party President Gaikhangam and most of the ministers in the present government, sources said.

People's Democratic Front (formed by Manipur People's Party, NCP, Janata Dal (U), CPI(M) and state unit of Rashtraya Janata Dal) nominated candidates in all the constituencies.

The other major parties having fielded their candidates were BJP, Trinamool Congress, Manipur State Congress Party and others, sources said.

Meanwhile more than 102 companies out of 350 companies including 280 central para military forces have arrived here.

The other forces included armed police and security personnel from neighbouring states of Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, sources said.

Besides the Manipur Police and other armed personnel of the state would also be used in the elections which would take place on January 28.

Sources said some candidates had been asked not to campaign during night time because some major insurgent organisations had imposed 'ban' on Congress contestants and their campaigners.

Major insurgent outfits like United National Liberation, Revolutionary People's Front, People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak and Kanglei Yawol Kann Lup had imposed the 'ban'. The outfuts had been on warpath since Manipur's merger with the union in 1949.

KNLF bans Cong in Cdl and CCpur

2012-01-11T17:43:00.001-08:00

Churachand Jan 12 : The Kuki National Liberation Front has declared that they would ban or boycott the Indian National Congress in Chandel and Churachandpur district in the forthcoming Assembly election.

In a statement issued by Kolpu Haokip, the KNLF/KPA secretary information and publicity has appealed the general public not to cooperate with INC and its workers as the INC is against the 'liberation movement of Manipur' .

Besides cautioning individuals, groups, associations and chief associations against campaigning or supporting the INC candidates of 'positive punishment' the outfit also directed the Mangvung Phungpi Council to withdraw its decision on New Somtal chiefship dispute.

It further directed the Council not to interfere in any land or chiefship dispute in future.

The Council is neither a registered body nor have the right to lead the Mangvung insung (clan), it said.

NCP names 14 candidates for Manipur polls

2012-01-09T19:55:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL: A day after the ruling Congress named its candidates for the ensuing 10th Manipur assembly polls, the opposition NCP, which is a key member of the pre-poll opposition alliance - People's Democratic Front (PDF) - on Saturday named 14 candidates in its first list of nominees.

Manipur NCP unit president and opposition leader Radha Binod Koijam, popularly known as RB in political circles, three sitting MLAs of the party - Th Nandakishor Singh, Salam Joy and Doukhomang Khongsai - and five former legislators are among the listed candidates.

On the recommendation of the state NCP unit's election committee, the central election committee has approved the 14 names as the party's candidates, said a statement released by Koijam, also a former chief minister.

Besides NCP, the other partners of the PDF, whose primary target is to take on and defeat the ruling Congress in the polls scheduled for January 28, are the regional Manipur People's Party (MPP), JD(U), RJD and CPI(M). Though BJP is not a member of the grand pre-poll alliance, the saffron party and MPP have worked out a seat-sharing arrangement in certain constituencies.

Meanwhile, a large number of political parties are gearing up for house-to-house campaigns in the valley areas to woo the voters. The Congress, which is facing a ban and a 'perpetual threat' from CorCom, the apex body of seven underground organizations operating in the state, is carrying out its campaign on a low key even as the ECI has assured deployment of adequate security for conducting the polls smoothly without any disturbances from any anti-social forces.

Official sources said around 350 companies of central paramilitary forces, in addition to the state forces, would be pressed into service in the single-phase election.

On Friday last, the ruling party, Congress, announced its candidates for all sixty constituencies. The list includes two senior sitting MLAs of the opposition Manipur People's Party (MPP) and one RJD legislator.

Clothes are not the problem, men are

2012-01-05T02:20:00.001-08:00

Our commenters, wrote us some strong, smart comments to the article titled – It’s not about the right to wear, but the right thing to do – which we have now published as a separate post. They point out that it’s not about a particular place that should define what women wear, rather it’s about the culture and the way men look at women.

As is our policy, we have edited out a few sentences that were directed at the author.

Archana Pai Kulkarni: If a person from Virar shifts to Bandra, will there be a paradigm shift in his outlook? What is appropriate or right is surely relative, born out of conditioning, the way we are brought up, the mores in the type of social set-up in which we move about? Is the author then suggesting that a girl in a mini-skirt is more likely to be raped in Virar than in South Mumbai, because the outrage generates lust? Should she stick to wearing mini-skirts only in South Mumbai? Also, is the male libido more in control in South Mumbai than it is in Jogeshwari? Do we have statistics to support that supposition?

It all depends on people and culture. Reuters

What happens if a potential rapist from, say, Jogeshwari East travels to South Mumbai? Will his mindset change just because he’s in a place where minis are a norm? Is it kosher for such a man to unleash his libido on a mini-skirt sporting girl on his home-ground? Do we then conclude that because wearing mini-skirts is scandalous in these god-knows-why-they’ve-been-chosen-as-examples suburbs, the chances of rape in these areas will be high and even justified? Are incidences of rape actually higher in ‘such’ areas? Statistics, someone?

Should women who want to wear mini skirts shift to South Mumbai and assume that men from Jogeshwari will not follow suit? What should be the desirable length of the mini-skirt? How many inches above the knee will the Jogeshwari resident find appropriate? Do all Jogeshwari residents think alike? Or will there be differences among them regarding the length of the skirt and its appropriateness? How about our very traditional Indian sari worn five inches below the navel, with a blouse that exposes almost all of the back? Is that not provocative, because it’s traditional and Indian? So, do Indian men from the suburbs think of women in western clothes as objects and therefore, fit for rape?

I think the author should walk the by-lanes of Jogeshwari and Virar and see for himself the huge number of women sporting the sari in a bold avatar. Is the author from South Mumbai or Virar? I ask because his own reaction will depend upon where he lives, right? Are education, awareness and a broadening of outlook are unheard of? Does the writer have a dress code for men too, both from South Mumbai and Virar? Is it okay for a Virar guy to wear a ‘banian’ and shorts in public? It must be. After all, women are not given to prescribing dress codes for men. They have better things to do. And they wouldn’t dream of raping the man, whatever he wears. So, it’s not the mini that needs to be restrained, it is the wild, uncouth male libido and the objectification of women—whether we are in South Mumbai or Virar. Get it?

No Nonsense : I disagree with the author and many others who have commented on the article. Its one thing to dress in a certain way while visiting a relative and its a personal choice that people make. How can you even suggest that women change their dressing sense as they move northwards in Mumbai? If South Mumbai can accept a mini skirt so can Virar. And if a woman has a right to dress the way she likes, everyone who is judging her based on that is infringing on her right. To expect a woman to change the way she dresses based on the reaction it may cause among men, is yet again an indicator of male dominance in this society.

Meeta2000: Adivasis in India used to go topless. In fact adivasis in Karjat and Kasara used to wear small dhoti type cloth and a choli. Kolis used to wear choli and small navvari. Even navvarri is not being worn as it is considered sexy. Kerala women either used to go topless or wear a lungi and blouse. Rajasthan women used to wear backless cholis.Bhils gonds and santhals never wore blouses. Men in villages always wore small tiny dhotis while working and rarely wore shirts.

And when all traditional attire was worn in India that definitely is much more sexy and appealing than mini skirts and bikinis there was less crime and people stood up when someone harassed women or children.

The new breed of Indians that want everyone covered uo in gol sarees and pant shirts have their brains in some wrong place therefore such suggestions on safety of individuals.

wiseman: It all depends on people and culture, the size of a dress has nothing to do with it. I am tired of this Indian culture nonsense, as if the whole of India has one single culture. I come from North-East and girls there dress in a manner that would be considered outrageous in the rest of India, still the reported number of assaults on women are far lower than the country’s average.

Women are highly respected there unlike North India.

EC team arriving Manipur today

2012-01-05T02:19:00.001-08:00

Sobhapati Samom

IMPHAL, Jan 5 – Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi and his team team will be arriving here tomorrow to go into the arrangements being made for Manipur Assembly polls to be held on January 28.
The Election Commission team will hold a meeting with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Manipur and Electoral Registration Officers besides separate meetings with the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of the neighbouring States, official sources said here. The ECI official is also scheduled to address a press conference here prior to his departure for the national capital.

An official team of Income Tax department has already been camping here and opened a control room to check cash flow and election related expenditures of the political parties and candidates. On Monday, State CEO PC Lawmkunga had announced the final electoral rolls of the State having a total electorate of 17,40,820 including 8,89,497 females.

After the formation of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) by Manipur People’s Party (MPP) led five opposition parties, political parties except the ruling Congress has begun to announce names of their candidates for the forthcoming polls. MPP which have five legislators in the last Assembly has so far announced their candidates for 13 valley Assembly constituencies while their alliance partner Janata Dal (U) has named eight candidates mostly for hill seats. Manipur has 40 valley seats and 20 hill seats.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), alliance member of PDF has released a list of candidates for nine seats.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam are camping in New Delhi to seek approval of the party high command to a probable list of their party candidates. The final list of the candidates will be released after they returned here in a day or two, a party source said here.

A day-long workshop on paid news and advertisement for the mediapersons was held under the aegis of AMWJU at Manipur Press Club premises today.

Manipur political parties to announce candidates

2011-12-31T22:50:00.001-08:00

Imphal: Two major political parties in Manipur on Saturday said they would announce the names of their candidates for the forthcoming next assembly polls on January 28 next, said sources in the parties on Saturday. Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Gaikhangam told mediapersons
that the party's election committee would meet on January 2 to shortlist the candidates of the party for the forthcoming polls saying more than 166 aspirants had submitted their nomination forms for the 60-member Manipur assembly to contest the polls.

He said the meeting would short list the candidates considering their background and loyalty the party and forward it to the party high command for approval hoping that the party high command would approve it either on 'January 5 or 6'.

Gaikhangam said some sitting MLAs of non-congress parties had applied for the congress tickets for the forthcoming elections but it could not be immediately decided whether they could be given tickets or not because all depended on the decision of the party's central leadership.

On the other hand, main opposition party, Manipur People's Party (MPP) on Saturday said that it would also hold party election committee meeting on January 2 next to finalise the list of the candidates.

Senior legislature wing leader O Joy said the party was likely to put up 15 candidates for the 60-member Manipur legislative assembly.

Sources in the party said MPP along with Nationalist Congress Party, Janata Dal (United) and state unit of the Rashtriya Janata Dal had formed a pre-poll alliance for the forthcoming polls.

Political observers said the main contestants for the forthcoming polls would be between congress and the alliance of MPP, JD (U), NCP and RJD combine Joy told reporters that they the combine would fight on the polls on the issue of Manipur's boundary, corruption, political conflict (insurgency and the government), misuse of drugs and identity of Manipuris.

Another opposition BJP said they would fight the elections on the issues of corruption by ruling congress.

Senior BJP leader and election observer of the north eastern states PV Acharya while speaking at a function of the party on Friday in Imphal said congress was indulging in high corrupt practices and it was time to throw them out of power this time.

State BJP unit vice president Tiken Singh said congress-led rule of secular progressive front (SPF) ministry (CPI is a minor ruling party of the SPF) for ten years could be described as 'dark decade of Manipur' as their rule killings, kidnappings for ransom, lootings, and all sorts of crimes reached maximum level.

He said it was time for the people of Manipur to realise to change the the government adding people suffered so much because of more than 100-day economic blockade on national highways some organisations, and other law and order related issues.

Meanwhile, sources in the main opposition parties, MPP, said two of its MLAs had resigned from the party to contest the elections under tickets of different parties.

Former deputy speaker and party MLA Th Shyamkumar had resigned from the party on December 28 last saying MPP leaders were 'indecisive' on major state issues and would contest under Trinamool Congress ticket.

Shyamkumar said he would contest elections under Trinamool Congress because Trinamool Congress offered ticket and to join the party after his resignation.

Another respectable MPP MLA RK Anand and well-known lawyer RK Anand had resigned from the party about a week ago and would fight the coming election under the different party tickets.

MPP sources said they had acted against anti-party activities but the resigned legislators said they had differences of opinion with party leaders.

Lost Tribe of Israel?

2011-12-30T22:17:00.001-08:00

In a bare room in an unfinished concrete building on the fringes of the Golden Triangle where the hill tribesmen were once headhunters, a man puts on a prayer shawl and begins chanting in Hebrew. A small number of followers join in the responses. Afterward he says: I was a corps cadet in the Salvation Army 10 years ago, but now I am a Jew. This is Yeshuran Ngaihte, 50, the chazan, or elder, of the year-old Sephardic synagogue in Aizawl, capital of India's Mizoram state on the border with Burma.

Farther up the hill, in a corrugated iron shed perched on the side of a deep ravine, Eliazer Sela, 56, chazan of the city's older Ashkenazi synagogue, leads a slightly larger congregation of 21 worshipers in evening prayers, the women separated from the men by a mosquito net. Father of nine children, four of whom live in Israel, Sela ran a roadside tea stall and prayed at the Presbyterian church before he switched to the Jewish faith in 1972.

The forested hills of northeastern India must rank among the last places on the planet where you would expect to find a synagogue, let alone two. But wait, this gets even more intriguing: the Jews of this remote region believe they are descendants of a legendary lost tribe of Israel that, according to the Old Testament, disappeared almost 3,000 years ago. When I read the Old Testament, I realized Mizos were very similar to the Jews, says Sela, so I prayed to God to tell me if we were Jewish.

Sela's tale is greeted with scorn by leaders of Mizoram's majority Christian population. We are not of Jewish descent, says the Rev. C. Vanlalhruaia, a senior member of the local Presbyterian church, Mizoram's most important denomination. The history of the Bible makes that clear. We are of Mongoloid stock.

Still, it's not hard to see why some Mizos might believe they are connected to a faraway land. Mizoram (pop. 700,000) is cut off by distance and culture from the rest of India. Its isolation, fed by a 20-year guerrilla insurgency against New Delhi that ended in 1986, has made it a breeding ground for spiritual adventurers offering salvation, identity and the prospect of emigration and riches abroad. The Christian religion, brought to the jungle-clad borderlands of eastern India by Welsh Evangelicals 100 years ago, has been guardian of their souls and permeates all aspects of their lives--political, social and economic. That is, until some of them became convinced that the Mizo people were one of the 10 lost tribes of Israel.

The confusion over identity is plainly visible in the narrow and precipitous streets of Aizawl, Mizoram's capital. One hillside is called Bethlehem, another Salem. A main intersection is called Israel Point. Shops carry such names as Israel Stores, Zion Tailors, Exodus Press, Nazareth School. The names appear to have been plucked from the entire Judeo-Christian spectrum. This is a part of the world where the Word of God is revered--in both its New and Old Testaments. The Rev. Zairema, former moderator of the Presbyterian church, says exposure to the Old Testament and its stories accounts for the Mizos' belief that they may be Jewish. There is a tendency on the part of some groups to believe they are physically related to the Children of Abraham, as well as spiritually related. The Church has ignored these claims as they don't mean anything.

According to local legend, the Mizos' Jewish connection goes back more than 1,000 years to a remote cave in China where the scattered remnants of the lost Jewish tribe of Menashe were holed up. They called themselves Chhinlung, after the cave, and over the years they made their way south through Thailand, settling for good in a pocket of hills astride what is today Burma, India and Bangladesh.

Roll forward to 1952, and a local headman falls into a trance, has a vision and announces that God has told him the Mizos are the lost tribe. A group of believers then sets off on foot for the Promised Land, thinking it might be just over the horizon. Some go north, see a train for the first time and get as far as Assam, a neighboring Indian state. Others go northeast and reach Nagaland. No one makes it to Israel, but the story of the vision and the abortive journey to Zion inspires a relative of one of the trekkers to investigate the link.

That relative, Zaithanchhungi, an insurance saleswoman and former teacher, went to Israel in 1983. There she met Eliyahu Avichayil, an Orthodox rabbi whose Amishav organization searches the world for descendants of the lost tribes. He showed immediate interest in her story, saying Jews had been scattered as far as China, and urged her to return to India to catalogue Mizo history. She came up with a list of alleged cultural similarities, including the building of altars, the sacrifice of animals, burial customs, marriage and divorce procedures, a belief in an all-powerful deity and the symbolic presence of the number seven in many festivities. She saw other links in musical instruments and household practices. I was a non-believer, but after my research I now believe very firmly that the Mizos are of Jewish descent. She herself remains a Presbyterian. Why? Because I believe in Jesus Christ. For many people it is difficult to go back to the thoughts of our ancestors.

Conversions took off in the late 1980s after Rabbi Avichayil's Amishav organization began sponsoring Mizos to travel to Israel. According to Zaithanchhungi, some 400 young men and women made the journey, were converted and have been settled--mainly in the occupied territories. Now the money seems to have run out. Israel does not acknowledge the Mizos as Jews, though its Interior Ministry said in July that the government would permit 100 Mizo tribesmen into the country annually as tourists. If they are converted to Judaism they can become immigrants under Israel's Law of Return, which grants the right of citizenship to all Jews. Police officials in Mizoram say that over the past five years some 2,000 young Mizos have applied for passports to visit Israel. An average of 30 or 40 Mizos actually make the trip each year.

Inevitably, this turning to Jerusalem has created political complications. An aspiring politician and businessman, Lalchhanhima Sailo, a 44-year-old Presbyterian, is staking his claim to future power on a new Mizo identity. Founder of the Chhinlung-Israel Peoples Convention, he is campaigning across the state to change the name of the Mizo tribe to Chhinlung-Israel. He also talks of a greater Chhinlung-Israel state that includes the Mizos of neighboring Burma and Bangladesh, a prospect that would not be welcome in Dhaka, Rangoon or New Delhi.

But for Mizoram's Chief Minister Zoramthanga, former deputy commander of the guerrilla force that battled the Indian army, identity is not a problem. There is a possibility that the Mizos are one of the lost tribes of Israel. There are certain practices and customs which suggest this. But I should add that only when we reach heaven will we have the proof, he says, roaring with laughter.

With reporting by Subir Bhaumik/Aizawl and Eric Silver/Jerusalem

Festive cheer brightens tribal belt

2011-12-25T22:15:00.003-08:00

SILCHAR: The tribal hamlets across southern Assam, including Barak Valley districts and Dima Hasao, are abuzz with preparations for Christmas. People have been thronging marketplaces in large numbers, wrapping up their festive shopping, braving the severe chill the region has been experiencing for the past couple of weeks.
The churches of different Christian denominations including Presbyterians, Baptists, Roman Catholics and Salvations have been decorated with twinkling lights, Xmas trees and colourful ornaments.

People across India participate in Christmas celebrations

2011-12-25T22:15:00.001-08:00

Agartala/Shimla, Dec 26 : Festive fever gripped people across northeast and north India as Christmas is just around the corner and people rejoiced by singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts with each other.

A mesmerizing scenario was witnessed in Agartala as people were seen singing and enjoying Christmas carols on the streets.

Davis, a carol singer, said that the festival of Christmas would bring prosperity and happiness in the lives of people.

"2000 years ago in a simple manger he (Jesus) was born as a prince of peace and his message was sowing the seeds of peace in the world and in the hearts of people, in the families, in the societies. Today we need that peace in our families, within ourselves and the communities in which we live in," he said.

Small girls were seen dressed as fairies and boys dressed as Santa Claus- in his trademark red dress, with long, white beard.

Shopkeepers have also registered a rise in the sale of decorative items during this festive season.

A large number of tourists thronged to picturesque town of Shimla to participate in celebrations of Christmas and New Year.

Local hoteliers and travel agents expressed happiness, as their business boomed.

"Entire Shimla and all the members of association of travel agents along with Hotels are very excited for the Christmas preparations. We have been receiving many bookings for Christmas and New Year celebrations. We have already done with 90 percent of occupancy and if there will be snowfall, more numbers of tourists are expected," said Naren Shahi, a travel agent.

Political parties in Manipur welcome poll schedule

2011-12-25T22:14:00.001-08:00

Imphal: Political parties in Manipur on Sunday welcomed the January 28 single-phase poll schedule announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

"We warmly welcome the schedule of the Assembly poll on January 28. There will be no change in the campaign strategy of our party as we are fully prepared for the election," said ruling Congress party president Gaikhangam.

"Since the people have faith in the Congress and the party-led Secular Progressive Front government, we will win an absolute majority in the coming polls," Gaikhangam told reporters here.

Main opposition party, Manipur People's Party (MPP), also expressed satisfaction with the "early poll date."

MPP president Nimaichand Luwang said that they were ready to fight the Congress in the ensuing elections any time.

He said that MPP would sign a prepoll alliance with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and would also announce alliance with like-minded parties in the next few days.

The present strength of the 60-member Manipur legislative assembly is: Ruling (Congress 31 and CPI 4). Opposition MPP (4), Independents 10, Rashtriya Janata Dal 3, National People's Party 3 and NCP-4.

Counting of votes would be taken up on March 4 along with Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarkhand and Goa which are also going to polls in Janjuary and February, as announced by the Election Commission yesterday.

Christmas shopping spree picks up in Manipur

2011-12-23T22:16:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL, DEC 24 : Christmas shopping has finally picked up Friday in Imphal where shops were opened after three days of shutdown called by a militant group.

Market places in Imphal remained closed for the last three days owing 24-hour general strike on December 21 by a local JAC formed against the killing of a chowkidar and his son by militants of KCP (Kesho Meetei) which was followed by another 72-hour general strike called by KCP (MC) who strongly condemned the act of its rival group in killing the chowkidar and his son after being kidnapped for ransom.

The bandh called by KCP (MC) was due to end by Saturday morning at 5 am but it was shortened and concluded at 5 a.m. Friday, responding to the appeals made by various civil organizations considering Christmas festival.

With the opening of the markets in Imphal, people, particularly hill communities who follow Christianity converged at the shops dealing with readymade garments and gifts. Traffic jams were witnessed at all the streets across the city and traffic police assisted by the city police had a hard time to regulate the traffic.

Imphal West district police is making a special security arrangement in market places in Imphal after they appealed shopkeepers to open their shops till 8 p.m. for enable the people to shop for the Christmas festival.

Christians thanked the shortening of the bandh. “We welcome decision the decision regarding the shortening of the bandh hour. It made us enable to shop new clothes for our children and gifts for the festival,” said Pauzalian Paite, a government employee from hurachandpur district posted in Imphal.

Fed up with frequent bandhs and economic blockades, he said that such kinds of protests have sometimes affected the peaceful co-existence among the different communities residing in the state for centuries when it was imposed during the festival time.
Governor greets

Meanwhile, Manipur Governor Gurbachan Jagat has greeted the people of Manipur, especially Christians on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Christmas, 2011.

In his message, the Governor prayed to god for peace, harmony and prosperity for the state of Manipur while reminding that Lord Jesus was born to build a new world order based on peace, justice and equality of mankind.

During Christmas, Jesus’s message of love, mercy, forgiveness, has become increasingly important at the present situation, when the “atmosphere is polluted with enmity and hatred”, the Governor stated.

Manipur strike to end today

2011-12-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

IMPHAL,Dec 23 – The scheduled 48-hour general strike which came into force from 5 am on Wednesday has been shortened by one day and will conclude at 5 am tomorrow instead of 5 am on December 24.

The general strike was given by the Manipur based outfit, Kangleipak Communist Party in protest against the recent killing of a father-son duo. The outfit in a press statement to the local media here informed about the shortening of the strike.

According to the statement, the decision to shorten the general strike was taken after considering the appeals of the All Manipur Christian Organisation and the people of Manipur for the ensuing Christmas.

The Naga Peoples’ Organisation has also appealed to suspend the general strike in the interest of the general public.

However, normal life in the State had been affected for the last two days in view of the general strike. Though private vehicles were plying along the roads, most of the markets places remained closed for the second day today. Despite the State police’s appeal to open the shops in Imphal in view of the Christmas, most of the shops remained closed.

Except the secretariat offices, attendance in Government offices were very thin as almost all the inter-city, inter-district or State passenger services were off the road for the second day today.

NC Hills scam: CBI files 7 chargesheets

2011-12-21T21:46:00.001-08:00

GUWAHATI, Dec 22 – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today filed seven chargesheets in the Court of Special Judge, CBI (Guwahati) in connection with two cases relating to misappropriation of funds in NC Hills Autonomous Council (now Dima Hasao).

While seven persons including Mohit Hojai, the then chief executive member of the Council and RH Khan, the then deputy director and one of the prime accused in the multi-crore-rupee scam, have been named as accused in the chargesheet filed in connection with Social Welfare department embezzlement, the CBI has named 22 as accused including Subrata Hojai, executive member, Haflong and two Divisional Soil Conservation Officers, Arup Rai and Amitabh Rai Sarma (Rai and Sarma have been named in all the six chargesheets) filed in connection with the anomalies in the Soil Conservation department.

The six chargesheets have been filed in the case (Soil Conservation) on separate counts against the 22 persons.

The two cases relate to embezzlement in the Social Welfare department and the Soil Conservation department. While in the Social Welfare department, an amount of Rs 13.53 crore was misappropriated in the name of supply of equipment and expenses on the welfare of elderly people , the embezzlement in the Soil Conservation department amounted to Rs 1.66 crore shown to be spent on various areas including water harvesting.

Briefing mediapersons today, Deputy Inspector General and Regional Head of the Anti-corruption Zone H Nongpluh said that the persons have been named as accused based on the evidence collected by the investigators.

He said that the CBI has also suggested steps to plug loopholes in the Government machinery. “The present mechanism allows any officer of the department concerned to withdraw money. We have suggested steps to plug the existing lacunae,” Nongpluh stated.

HPC (D) president rejects impeachment claim

2011-12-19T20:51:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL, Dec 20 : While dismissing news report on his impeachment as baseless and completely unfo- unded, Hmar People’s Convention (D) president Lalh- mingthang Sanate said in a statement ‘I am the president of HPC (D) and will remain the president, if it is the will of God’.

Reacting to news report published in the October 1 editions of State dailies, Sanate contended that the ‘so called executive meeting’, wherein decision to impeach him was reportedly taken, was held with his knowledge and prior consent.

Invalidating the said me-eting, he maintained that neither has the post been relinquished by him nor had he handed over the charge to anyone.

Conveying that clarification made on the said issue is in order to clear the confusion, so that general public and all concerned know the truth, the president disclosed that a few self-seeking individuals wi-thin the HPC (D), using the organization’s name have made an apparent bid to belie and tarnish his repu- tation.

The tall claims made about my ‘so called impeachment as per the reso- lution of the HPC (D) Executive Council emergency meeting of 29th September, 2011 published in newspapers on the 1st of October 2011,’ is baseless and completely unfounded, Sanate countered while declaring that as the president of HPC (D) the so called Executive Council Emergency meeting has neither legal sanc- tion nor acceptable to him.

Further expressing that the impeachment claim is made with the ulterior motive by some self-seeking individuals to hijack the organization for their selfish personal gains, Lalhming-thang reiterated that as the founder President of HPC (D), he is and will remain the President.

The so called Executive Council Emergency Meeting has no legitimacy as it was convened right after the organization concluded its council meetings; the meeting was called discreetly without my know- ledge and prior consent, he declared.

I floated this organization in 1995, leaving behind my job and a peaceful civil life, with the strong conviction that the Hmar com- munity interests need to be safe-guarded as Hmars are a marginalized lot in all the Hmar inhabited areas of the North East India, the statement informed while asser- ting that he will continue to serve the Hmar people.

Declaring that HPC (D) will never be a secessionist organisation as right from it’s inception goal of the organization is to work in tandem with other sister/cognate organisations, and to strive for an honourable political settlement for the Hmars within the ambit of the Indian Constitution, Sanate further explained that in the context of Manipur, he endorsed suggestion by his colleagues to join the United People Front (UPF) and be a part of the Suspension of Operations, which the Indian Army signed with the hill-based armed outfits of Manipur in August 2008.

Reminding all concerned that he is committed to the cause of the Hmar people, he also conceded that some individuals with vested interest in the organisation had been attempting to tarnish his image as the HPC (D) leader for they were embarrassed when he initiated strong and concrete measures to check financial irregularities in the organisation. Sanate also expre- ssed strong resentment against hostile attitude of Indian security forces taking advantage of impasse within the HPC (D) organisation and announced that very soon he would reshuffle the cabinet and members of the Council along with similar change in the outfit’s representative to the joint moni- toring group of the SoO agreement.

Lastly, The HPC (D) wo-uld make it known to the public and all concerned soon whether it will continue to be a member of the UPF conglomerate, he added.

NCP, MPP forge pre-poll alliance in Manipur

2011-12-18T22:13:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL, Dec 19 – With the Manipur Assembly polls knocking at the door, electioneering has slowly started to gain momentum with the opposition Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Manipur Peoples’ Party (MPP) forming a pre-poll alliance.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State unit has also invited like-minded parties to join hands to face the Indian National Congress in the forthcoming polls.

Appealing to the like-minded political parties to join hands to beat the Congress in the forthcoming Assembly polls, expected to be held in February next year, BJP’s State unit president Shantikumar informed the media today that BJP national President Nitin Gadkari will be arriving here on Monday to address a public rally at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre here along with National Vice President Najma Heptulla, party spokesman Prakash Javadekar and other party leaders.

The leaders of MPP and NCP including Union Minister of State for Rural Development Agatha Sangma made an announcement about the formation of the pre-poll alliance in a joint press conference here last evening.

Agatha Sangma, who was here on a three-day visit last evening said that NCP has all its doors open for formation of a pre-poll alliance with any like-minded party.

The move has been taken up to put an end to the Congress rule and bring up an alternative government in the State, said MPP President Dr Nimaichand Luwang in the presence of former Union Sports Minister Th Chaoba of MPP, former Chief Minister RB Koijam of NCP and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr L Chandramani of MPP.

Dr Luwang added that people of the State have got nothing but suffering from the Congress-led SPF Government. The people of the State are looking for a change. The change cannot be brought only by the NCP or MPP or any other Opposition party. So, the party has come up with the decision of forming pre-poll alliances.

Radhabinod Koijam, NCP State President said that NCP stands for withdrawal of AFSPA and wishes to end the insurgency movement in the State through political dialogue.

DHD firm on more villages demand

2011-12-14T21:36:00.001-08:00

SARAT SARMA

Hasabra (Lanka), Dec. 15 : Leading Dimasa organisations today urged the Dilip Nunisa-led Dima Halam Daogah not to sign a peace accord if New Delhi refused to include their demarcated 95 villages outside Dima Hasao district within the proposed Dimaraji territorial council.

The Nunisa group will sit for the final round of talks with the Centre on Saturday.

Remaining firm on the demand, Nunisa, who was present at the public rally organised by the Joint Action Committee of Dimaraji Movement here, 30km from the Hojai subdivisional headquarters of Sankardevnagar, also assured the people that the DHD would safeguard the rights of the Dimasas and non-Dimasas living within the Dimaraji boundary.

Ulfa leader Mrinal Hazarika participated in the rally as a special guest.

More than 5,000 Dimasas from adjacent districts, including Hojai subdivision in Nagaon, had converged at the rally to support the inclusion of the four lakh Dimasas living in the 95 villages in Cachar, Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts in the proposed territorial council.

The convener of the Joint Action Committee of Dimaraji Movement, Sanmoni Kemprai, said originally, the Dimasa leaders had marked 104 villages in Cachar, 147 in Nagaon and 144 in Karbi Anglong. They had later left out the mixed population villages and included only the Dimasa-dominated areas that were part of the Cachari kingdom in the eighth century.

Demanding a permanent solution to the DHD issue, the Dimasa leaders appealed to the government to pay heed to the sentiments of those living within the geographical boundary of the proposed Dimaraji. They also submitted a memorandum to Union home minister P. Chidambaram through Hojai sub-divisional officer (civil) Biswajit Pegu in support of their demand.

In another memorandum submitted recently, the Dimasa organisations had demanded a single administrative unit of Dimaraji carved out from the Dimasa-dominated areas of Nagaon, Cachar and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam and a few parts of Dimapur district in Nagaland. These areas are contiguous to the Dima Hasao district.

The Dimasa-dominated Hasabra in Nagaon district, with a population of around 8,000, is also a part of the proposed Dimaraji.

Kemprai said New Delhi had offered that the DHD leadership sign the accord for a territorial council and it would ponder over the inclusion of villages outside Dima Hasao after an expert committee constituted for the purpose submitted it report. “But we can hardly accept this,” he added.

Vacancies for N-E paramilitary forces to be filled up

2011-11-26T21:05:00.001-08:00

SSC lowers marks hurdle

SSC chairman N.K. Raghupathy at the news conference in Guwahati on Saturday. Picture by UB Photos
Guwahati, Nov 27 : The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is taking a number of steps to get more applications for filling up vacancies in paramilitary forces in the Northeast.
As a first step, the commission is trying to relax the minimum marks required for clearing the written test for youths in the Northeast for examinations conducted by the SSC.
“The commission has moved a proposal to the ministry of home affairs for relaxing the minimum requirement,” SSC chairman N.K. Raghupathy said at a news conference here today. Raghupathy has come to the Northeast with the aim to get more youths from the Northeast to fill up the vacancies. He was in Aizawl yesterday.
The commission is handling the recruitment of constables and riflemen in central police organisations under the ministry of home affairs. There are 11,040 vacancies for the posts in central paramilitary forces this year.
Raghupathy said there would be no diversion of posts of Northeast to other states so that youths of the region get jobs. Citing an instance, he said earlier if posts remained vacant in the Northeast, other states took it. “The ministry of home affairs has made it clear that there would be no diversion of posts,” Raghupathy said. The commission will try and request the ministry to hold the examinations other than in English and Hindi. “I do not know whether this will be cleared as there is a problem of getting good translators and good printing presses,” Raghupathy said.
He said the response from the Northeast is not good, but it is improving. The Northeast regional office of the SSC had handled 295,249 applications in open examinations in 2010-11 as against 643,771 applications received during 2009-10. “While these statistics seem impressive they are not good compared with the all India figures,” Raghupathy said.
He said the commission had decided to distribute free of cost applications forms and instructions for filling up forms in local languages.

Tipaimukh Dam: Indian experts echo same eco concerns

2011-11-26T20:59:00.001-08:00

Dhaka sends letter; delegation to go within a week

Pinaki Roy

Experts and environmentalists in India have expressed concern over the possible impact of the Tipaimukh dam on the ecology of Bangladesh and of the Indian state of Manipur.

Their concerns find an echo in the fears expressed by Bangladeshi experts and environmentalists.

Indian experts say if the dam is built in an earthquake-prone zone like Manipur, it might end in failure, causing disaster for Bangladesh downstream.

In articles posted on different websites, they said the project could be the cause of an ecological disaster.

Bangladesh will send a delegation to India in a week's time to discuss the issue as the neighbouring country has moved to form a company in order to build the dam unilaterally.

Bangladesh sent a letter to India on Thursday on its desire for a meeting, but it is yet to form its delegation to the talks, said a high government official who asked not to be named.

Water Resources Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen said the matter would be taken to the International Court, if necessary.

"We will go to the International Court to settle the Tipaimukh issue, if necessary," the minister told a programme yesterday.

Experts fear the Tipaimukh dam that India plans to build on the Barak River will cause havoc on the ecology. The river originating from the Manipur Hills flows westward through Mizoram and Assam, and meets the Meghna in Sylhet in Bangladesh.

Despite India's assurance that the dam would not cause any harm to Bangladesh, the issue has long been causing worried among the people of Bangladesh as well as of the Indian state of Manipur.

India argues that it is only a hydroelectric power project and will not divert water.

Different blogs and websites are flooded with opinions of noted Indian experts expressing concern over the Tipaimukh dam.

Asia Security Initiative, a blog, quoted Himansu Thakkar, editor of Dams, Rivers and People, India, as saying that even a hydroelectric project like the one in Tipaimukh could have pretty serious downstream impacts.

The fear of serious downstream impact is well founded, but the nature and quantum would depend on many factors, including the way the dam is operated, he said.

In an article, Ramananda Wangkheirakpam, coordinator of Citizen's Concern for Dams and Development in India, said one fear from Northeast India is that the construction of the Tipaimukh dam could result in an environment-induced migration from Bangladesh.

Soibam Ibotombi Singh, associate professor of the Department of Earth Sciences at Manipur University in India, said Manipur has a seismically active and tectonically young mountain chain and construction of large dams is practically dangerous.

"There could be frightening disasters killing thousands of people downstream, including Bangladesh due to failure of Tipaimukh dam,” he said.

"So there are ample valid reasons to be worried," he said referring to concerns raised by Bangladeshi experts.

In an article, “Straight talk on Barak”, published in the Indian Express in August,

2009, the newspaper's former editor BG Verghese said, "Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable and has more to lose from non-cooperation and in hardening negative mindsets."

Police confiscate fuel from grey market in Manipur

2011-11-25T19:41:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL: At a time when Manipur is facing acute shortage of fuel owing to the ongoing economic blockade of Naga organizations on national highways, police have launched a crackdown on people involved in black marketeering of fuel.

Police have seized over 2,300 litres of diesel and petrol from the grey market till Thursday and the crackdown continued on Friday. In the grey market, the rate of petrol and diesel per litre is Rs 160 and Rs 90 respectively. A cylinder of cooking gas costs Rs 2000.

In a drive against illegal sale of petroleum products in Thoubal on Thursday, district police have seized 1,722 litres of diesel and 605 litres of petrol from different parts of the district. While the government is trying hard to ensure supply of essentials through the Imphal-Silchar highway, fuel and cooking gas continue to remain scarce.

Several black marketeers have also been arrested and cases registered against them at Sugnu, Waikhong, Kakching, Thoubal and Yairipok police stations, said K Jayanta Singh, SP (Thoubal), in a statement. The blockade of highways was first launched by the Kukis on August 1, seeking creation of Sadar Hills district by carving out Kuki-dominated areas of Naga-majority Senapati district. The Nagas, then, launched a counter blockade on August 21 to stop any move to bifurcate Naga areas without consulting the tribe.

The Kukis withdraw their blockade on November 1 after the Okram Ibobi Singh-led government assured them to look into their demand following the report of the district re-organization committee. The government also granted three more subdivisions to Sadar Hills. This angered the Nagas and the United Naga Council (UNC), the apex tribal body of the Nagas, intensified its highway blockade.

On the other hand, a combined team of police commandos of Thoubal district and 42 Assam Rifles conducted search operations at Nungourok village on Wednesday night and arrested a People's United Liberation Front (Pulf) militant. Arms and ammunition were found on the rebel identified as Md Itomcha (22).

Elsewhere in Chandel district, jawans of 31 Assam Rifles on Thursday intercepted an unclaimed bag containing banned drugs and five deer horns in the Khudengtabi area. The seized items have been handed over to officials of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and wildlife department in Imphal.

Bangladesh proposes joint survey for planned Indian dam

2011-11-24T20:55:00.001-08:00

Dhaka - Bangladesh on Thursday proposed experts from Bangladesh and India conduct a joint survey on a dam India is planning on a river that crosses their border after activists warned it would deprive parts of Bangladesh of water.

New Delhi has told Dhaka that the dam on the Borak River in Manipur state would produce electricity and control flooding in both north-eastern India and Bangladesh.

Manipur authorities have signed a deal with hydropower developer Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation of India for the dam.

Bangladeshi experts said they feared the dam at Tipaimukh could cause desertification along the Borak, Surma and Kushiara rivers.

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party launched a week-long protest against the dam, which would take more than seven years to construct.

Bangladeshi Opposition calls strike to protest India's controversial dam project

2011-11-23T02:14:00.001-08:00

November 23

Bangladesh's main opposition in parliament Tuesday called a dawn-to-dusk general strike in the country's northeastern Sylhet division on Dec. 1 to protest Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's incumbent Bangladesh Awami League-led government's "inaction" about an investment agreement on the construction of Tipaimukh Dam and a hydroelectric project on a common river Barak in Manipur state of northeastern India.

The agreement was signed on Oct. 22 among NHPC Ltd (formally National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and India's premier hydropower company), the Manipur state government and another state enterprise SJVN (formally Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd) to form a joint venture company to implement the project.

M Ilias Ali, a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader in Sylhet, some 241 km northeast of capital Dhaka, made the announcement at a press briefing and demanded immediate cancellation of the project, alleging it would cause havoc in entire northeastern region of Bangladesh.

Two-time former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's BNP announced that it would resist the Indian move to construct Tipaimukh Dam over Barak as it, she said, will turn Bangladesh into a desert.

The proposed Tipaimukh dam will be constructed near the confluence of Barak and Tuivai rivers in Manipur state of India and within 100 km of Bangladesh's border. India claimed that the dam will be constructed for irrigation purpose and it would not adversely affect the lower riparian Bangladesh.

The proposed Tipaimukh Hydroelectric Project to be constructed in India's northeastern state of Manipur triggered debates among water experts and environmentalists home and abroad, who apprehend that it would dry up the Surma and Kushiara rivers in eastern Bangladesh and cast adverse impact on ecology.

India started the construction of Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak in 2003 to generate 1500 megawatt electricity. The construction was later halted due to national and international uproar and resistance against possible environmental degradation in and outside India. It resumed construction in late 2008.

Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said Sunday it has sought information from New Delhi as it has come to know about the investment agreement going through a press release of NHPC (National Hydropower Corporation) of India dated Oct. 24, 2011.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on three occasions over the last 21 months reportedly promised not to take any steps regarding Tipaimukh dam that would harm Bangladesh.

No formal response yet from govt

2011-11-21T20:48:00.001-08:00

Tipaimukh Deal

The government has not yet emerged with any formal response to the signing of a deal by the Indian authorities on the construction of the Tipaimukh dam in the state of Manipur.

Although the news regarding such a significant development appeared in the Bangladesh media on Friday, the government has remained inexplicably silent and so has not cleared Bangladesh's position in the last four days.

Following repeated media requests for an official statement the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday (Nov 19): “We are in touch with the Indian side. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has referred to the assurances given by India at the highest level in this regard. Senior officials at the MEA have informed us that they will be able to provide further details on the issue once offices reopen on Monday.”

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and a spokesman of the Foreign Ministry also hinted at making a statement on the Tipaimukh issue yesterday (Monday), but till 9pm yesterday the media were still waiting for the statement.

Officials at the Foreign Ministry told reporters that there would be a formal press briefing or written statement clearing Bangladesh's official position on Tipaimukh by yesterday (Monday). Nothing of the kind happened.

An official of the Foreign Ministry on condition of anonymity told The Daily Star that though India's Ministry of External Affairs had promised to provide Bangladesh with details of the agreement on the construction of the Tipaimukh dam in Manipur, Delhi made no contact with Dhaka throughout yesterday (Monday).

“We are still waiting to get details of the deal signed recently by National Hydro Power Company, Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. and the Manipur government to build the 1,500-MW project,” the official added.

The very signing of the deal has sparked fresh controversy and created serious repercussions in Bangladesh's media, civil society and among common people.

So who cares for human rights in Tibet? Or Manipur?

2011-11-21T07:02:00.001-08:00

Rajeev Srinivasan

A number of monks and nuns in the Tibetan monastery in Kirti, Chinese-Occupied Tibet, have immolated themselves in the recent past, to protest their genocide and cultural extinction by the Chinese. Lobsang Wangyal/AFP

A number of monks and nuns in the Tibetan monastery in Kirti, Chinese-Occupied Tibet, have immolated themselves in the recent past, to protest their genocide and cultural extinction by the Chinese. But this news has been underplayed by the media everywhere, which is either trying to cozy up to the Chinese totalitarians or is bullied into submission.
The fact is that for Buddhists – and perhaps for Hindus – self-immolation is the ultimate form of self-sacrificing protest. It suggests that the individual has reached a level of despair at the prevailing situation for which the only response is a spectacular suicide, which the protester hopes will move the public and the rulers. (Interestingly, they do not take to violence and terrorism, although that does seem to pay dividends.)
What are the Tibetans protesting? The rapid decimation of their culture and way of life and the violation of their rights to freedom of worship and thought. The Kashmiri Pandits, who fled violent ethnic cleansing, and who have lived in squalid refugee camps in Delhi since the late 1980s, would be able to empathise with their plight.
The hope of achieving change, alas, is not realistic in many places today. It was, perhaps, appropriate in an earlier time when the rulers had a sense of noblesse oblige, and indeed, attempted to rule for the people.
A good example of this is in Travancore. On 12 November 1936, as a result of agitation by the public, the Maharaja issued the Temple Entry Proclamation, throwing open all temples to all Hindus.
But what is more likely in today’s modern (for lack of a better word) nations is the fate of the Buddhist monks who immolated themselves in Vietnam during the war years. In 1963, the dragon lady Madame Nhu, the malign power behind the throne (and a convert from Buddhism to Catholicism), declared “Let them burn and we shall clap our hands”.
Madame Nhu called the self-immolation of the monk Thich Quang Duc, who was protesting the shooting of Buddhists, a “barbecue”, and offered to provide more fuel and matches! And she ordered attacks on and demolitions of Buddhist temples. The Vietnamese state did not care; the media manufactured consent among the public that the monks were basically fools.
The same fate befell a protester in India, whose name, I am ashamed to say, I do not know. I only know him as the uncle of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the army officer who was martyred on 11/26 in Mumbai. He was anguished at the callousness of the Indian state towards its sacrifice of the lives of his nephew and many others. He knocked on many doors, but he realised that there would be no justice.

What are the Tibetans protesting? The rapid decimation of their culture and way of life and the violation of their rights to freedom of worship and thought. Prakash Singh/AFP
He wrote clearly in his diary that he wanted to make a statement through his self-immolation in Delhi – that he protested, by sacrificing his own life, the cavalier disregard of the Indian state towards its own people, especially its armed forces, and in particular his nephew. Therefore he set himself on fire in New Delhi.
Appallingly, the media did something grotesque: instead of demanding justice for Major Sandeep and his uncle, it made up something about how the uncle “wanted to feel the pain his nephew felt” – making the uncle appear either a buffoon or mentally disturbed, rather than an honorable man demanding accountability from an errant and uncaring state.
The state in India is deeply uncaring – and Sandeep’s uncle reminds me of Professor Eachara Warrier, who demanded an accounting of what the state did during the emergency to his “disappeared” son Rajan. The state stonewalled, and after a lone and lion-hearted battle of 30 years, Professor Warrier died, still denied justice.
Similarly, the Indian state is completely absent when the rights of the people of Manipur are trampled on due to an illegal blockade (with religious and ethnic intolerance the prime force), driving prices up to stratospheric levels – Rs 300 for a litre of petrol, for instance. The Indian state is not willing to stand up to the perpetrators of the blockade, a bunch of thuggish separatists from nearby states.
But the Indian state is quick to want to remove the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFPSA) from J&K based on agitations. There is a failure to ask the question: why is there the need for the AFPSA in the first place? Why is it appropriate to remove it when the situation that called for draconian rules has continued to worsen? Why not fine-tune it, instead of, like with Pota, acting in haste and regretting at leisure?
Thus it appears that India’s soft state is as uncaring about the rights of its people (well, to be precise, it is uncaring about the rights of some of its people: it has been known to weep excessive crocodile tears about the rights of some of its other people) as is China’s hard state. In both cases, self-preservation and self-aggrandisement, one might argue, are the primary objectives of the state.
The Kirti monastery is a very large Tibetan monastery; it is nominally not in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, but in Aba in Sichuan, formerly the Tibetan province of Kham. It should not be forgotten that the actual territory of Tibet, traditionally independent and ruled by the Dalai Lamas, is huge: it accounts for about a third of the land mass currently occupied by the Han Chinese. Significant chunks of Tibet have been merged into other states by Chinese administrative fiat. And their Tibetan culture is besieged, under continuous attack.
The troubles started in 2008, when, before the Olympics, Tibetan protests were put down with force. A monk attempting self-immolation was beaten to death by Han Chinese police. Several hundred monks have been arrested and taken away for “re-education” from Kirti since then. Given the fact that China executes more people than the rest of the world combined, and that there is no bigger crime in China than “splittism”, we can well guess what their re-education will consist of.
A number of other monks and nuns – the latest a 35-year-old nun on 3 November – have self-immolated.
The peripatetic Pandit Tom Friedman of the New York Times, in India for one of those inane gabfests, gushed that the US and India are, in his words, “alike as peas in a pod.” I fear I disagree. It appears, at least in terms of tolerating dissent, that it is China and India that are as alike as peas in a pod. And that, surely, is tragic.

Over 14000 people killed in custody in 10 years

2011-11-20T21:36:00.001-08:00

By Subir Ghosh
More than four persons per day were killed in police and judicial custody in India between 2001 and 2010. The total of 14,231 persons includes 1,504 deaths in police custody and 12,727 deaths in judicial custody from 2001-2002 to 2009-2010 as per the cases submitted to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The NHRC registered only six deaths in police custody in Jammu and Kashmir from 2001-02 to 2010-11. This is despite the fact that on March 31, 2011 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a written reply before the Legislative Council stated that 341 persons had died in police custody in the state since 1990.
The New Delhi-based Asian Centre for Human Rights in its report, Torture in India 2011, released today said that a large majority of these deaths were a direct consequence of torture in custody. These deaths reflect only a fraction of the problem with torture and custodial deaths in India as not all the cases of deaths in police and prison custody are reported to the NHRC. Further, the NHRC does not have jurisdiction over the armed forces and the NHRC also does not record statistics of torture not resulting into death.
“The failure of the Ministry of Home Affairs to introduce the Prevention of Torture Bill drafted by the Rajya Sabha Select Committee headed by Ashwani Kumar, the current Minister of State for Planning, in December 2010 in the Parliament session beginning on November 22 demonstrates India’s lack of political will to stamp out torture,” said Suhas Chakma, ACHR Director.
During 2001-2010, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of deaths in police custody with 250 deaths; followed by Uttar Pradesh (174); Gujarat (134); Andhra Pradesh (109); West Bengal (98); Tamil Nadu (95); Assam (84); Karnataka (67); Punjab (57); Madhya Pradesh (55); Haryana (45); Bihar (44); Kerala (42); Jharkhand (41); Rajasthan (38); Orissa (34); Delhi (30); Chhattisgarh (24); Uttarakhand (20); Meghalaya (17); Arunachal Pradesh (10); Tripura (8); Jammu and Kashmir (6); Himachal Pradesh (5); Goa; Chandigarh and Pondicherry (3 each); Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland (2 each); and Sikkim and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (1 each).
“About 99.99 per cent of deaths in police custody can be ascribed to torture and occur within 48 hours of the victims being taken into custody. Though Maharashtra has a total population of 112 million in comparison to 199 million in Uttar Pradesh according to 2011 census, the fact that 76 more persons were killed in police custody in Maharashtra shows that torture is more rampant in police custody in Maharashtra than Uttar Pradesh,” said Chakma.
During 2001-2010, 12,727 deaths in judicial custody took place. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths in judicial custody with 2171 deaths, followed by Bihar (1512); Maharashtra (1176); Andhra Pradesh (1037); Tamil Nadu (744); Punjab (739); West Bengal (601); Jharkhand (541); Madhya Pradesh (520); Karnataka (496); Rajasthan (491); Gujarat (458); Haryana (431); Orissa (416); Kerala (402); Chhattisgarh (351); Delhi (224); Assam (165); Uttarakhand (91); Himachal Pradesh (29); Tripura (26); Meghalaya (24); Chandigarh (23); Goa (18); Arunachal Pradesh (9); Pondicherry (8); Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland (6 each); Mizoram (4); Sikkim and Andaman and Nicober Island (3 each); and Manipur and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (1 each).
The number of deaths in police custody recorded from conflict-afflicted states like Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur do not reflect the gravity of the situation. The NHRC registered only six deaths in police custody in Jammu and Kashmir from 2001-02 to 2010-11, while only two cases of deaths in police custody were recorded from Manipur during the same period. This is despite the fact that on March 31, 2011 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a written reply before the Legislative Council stated that 341 persons had died in police custody in the state since 1990.
Custodial rape remains one of the worst forms of torture perpetrated on women by law enforcement personnel and a number of custodial rape of women takes place at regular intervals. NHRC recorded 39 cases of rape from judicial and police custody from 2006 to February 28, 2010.
Maoists remain the worst violators of human rights including torture and they have been responsible for brutal killing of their hostages after abduction. Often the hostages were killed by slitting their throats or beheading. The suspects were tried and handed over death sentences or subjected to torture through the socalled “Jan Adalats” (Peoples’ Courts) in full public view to instill fear among the people.
“India is yet to realise the cost of not having anti-torture law in compliance with UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) that led to rejection extradition of Kim Davy, the prime accused in the Purulia arms drop case by the Danish High Court in June 2011; the direction of a British Court in July 2011 to depute a human rights expert to visit the prisons in Gujarat to examine the prison conditions before it grants extradition of Mohammad Hanif Umerji Patel, alias Tiger Hanif, the alleged mastermind of the 1993 bomb blast in Surat; and cancellation of the extradition of Abul Salem by the Portuguese High Court in September 2011 on the ground that he was tortured in custody following extradition. That torture is non-derogable even in war and a crime against humanity is yet to be recognized by India,” said Chakma.

Tipaimukh deal struck 'silently'

2011-11-20T21:31:00.001-08:00

Dhaka, Nov. 21-- Manipur's government has secretlystruck an investment deal with a number of state-run organisations for settingup the controversial hydroelectric power plant and Tipaimukh dam on India'sBorak River.

BBC said in a report that theagreement was signed on Oct 22 between the State Government of Manipur andhydro developers Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd and NHPC (formerly known as theNational Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited) at New Delhi under majorwraps.

The deal would see the setting upof a joint company, which will be responsible for the construction of the damand the power plant, the report said.

The proposed project has sparkeddebates in Bangladesh after India took initiative to build the dam. Experts andrights activists have said Bangladesh would be adversely affected if the dam isbuilt upstream. Even in the State of Manipur, rights groups have beencampaigning against the scheme for years and demanded the government scrap theplan.

In Bangladesh, various politicalparties and environmentalists have taken firm stand against the plan, and aparliamentary team briefly went to Manipur in 2009 to have an idea about plantsite. But the helicopter carrying the team had failed to land at Tipaimukh dueto bad weather.

The raging debate and concerns bythe citizens' groups and media have led Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh toassure in a joint declaration that India shall not take any steps, regardingTipaimukh, that might adversely affect neighbouring Bangladesh, duringBangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India in 2009.

hydroworld.com, a websitecatering to the hydroelectricity industry, said that the deal had been signedand that the agreement states that NHPC will own 69 percent of the company,SJVN will own 26 percent and the Manipur government will own five percent.

BBC quoted Manipur government'sirrigation and flood control minister N Biren Singh as saying, "Thegovernment's policy is very clear, the Tipaimukh project shall be implemented.It will be funded with aid from the central government, specially the Ministryof Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER)."

Biren also told BBC that thestate government is also contacting the Indian prime minister Mahmohan Singh tomake him declare the project as 'a national project' of India.

Fresh threat of HTF in Dima Hasao

2011-11-20T21:23:00.001-08:00

Hills Tiger Force (HTF), an armed outfit formed recently has issued fresh threat of carrying out sabotage and targeting security forces, if the group’s arrested leaders are not released. The threat has alarmed security forces in Dima Hasao district.

On November 15, one of the leaders of the outfit Lune Kuki, through SMS demanded immediate release of Benjamin Zaulin, reportedly the commander-in-chief of HTF, Alex Theak and seven other militants of the outfit were also arrested on November 13 from their hideout inside dense forest of Recjol. A huge cache of arms was recovered from the ultras.

The message indicates that second line leadership of HTF has re-organized themselves after the early setback. A secret meeting took place near Hemapucate, uppermost summit of Borial mountain range, where the organisation chalked out its strategy.

It may be mentioned that after renaming of North Cachar (NC) Hills to Dima Hasao, Indigenous Peoples Forum (IPF) a conglomeration of non Dimasa social and political organisation opposed the move.

IPF demanded bifurcation of the hill district into Haflong subdivision dominated by Hmar, Kuki, Zemi Nagas and other non Dimasa tribe be named as N C Hills, while the Maibong subdivision be named as per choice of the Dimasas. The same demand was also raised by HTF. Peaceful agitation by IPF in October turned violent.

Two Dimasa villages were torched and a village headman was killed. Later James Dimasa, a former DHD leader was shot dead. HTF claimed responsibility for attacking dominant Dimasa population after the incidents. In anticipation of an armed clash between Dimasa radical groups and HTF, authorities have tightened security in the area.

Within India's Win Lies Opportunity for Reflection

2011-11-20T21:16:00.001-08:00

By RICHARD LORD

For Indian cricket fans, the second test against the West Indies, which finished on Thursday in Kolkata, was a reaffirmation of what their test team is capable of. For neutral fans of the sport, however, it was a match that also highlighted a number of issues that need to be addressed.

It's hard to know just how well spinners Pragyan Ojha and Ravichandran Ashwin bowled, especially when they helped to dismiss the visitors for only 153 in the first innings. Spin has become so much of an Achilles' heel for West Indian batsmen in recent years.

But the hosts were certainly untroubled by the visitors' bowlers, including leg-spinner and ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year Devendra Bishoo.

There weren't, however, that many supporters—of any nation. Kolkata is traditionally one of the Indian cities where tests attract the biggest crowds, but the game was played from Monday to Friday. Even though the city's gigantic, atmospheric Eden Gardens stadium has been reduced in size to 62,000 by recent renovations—it once held 130,000—many stands have largely been empty. It's not just the schedule that was misconceived. This time of year the light fades so early there that play has to start at 9 a.m. Only in Guwahati, to the northeast, do international games start earlier, and Guwahati doesn't host tests. Even starting at that time, the light closes in sometime around the scheduled close at 4 p.m., meaning little or no overtime is available to complete the mandatory 90 overs a day as teams run behind schedule.

As it happened, the match ended with time to spare. But especially on some of India's run-drenched pitches, they often don't. On several of the evenings, and also during the daytime on the second day of the match, the teams went off the field for bad light when there are floodlights available at the ground that could have made it playable. Teams can decide some of the playing conditions before the series, including opting by mutual consent not to use the floodlights. The floodlights are there, why not use them? Some players argue that it's harder to see the ball under lights, but it's the same for everyone and there are customers to be entertained.

Then there's the Decision Review System. Again absent in a series at the insistence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the DRS has been deployed entirely, not at all, or in some but not all of its component parts in international series recently. It confuses players and undermines umpires, and the inconsistency just looks unprofessional. No, it isn't perfect. Yes, it's better than not using it. So use it.

None of this takes anything away from a wonderful performance by India on the pitch, which follows an equally worthy showing in the first test in Delhi, a gutsy recovery job after conceding a first-innings lead of 95. The next generation of batsmen have looked promising for a while, but India are starting to unearth a few examples of the type of player most needed to win test matches: wicket-taking bowlers.

Their opponents in this game, of course, used to steamroller all-comers in much the same way they themselves were just crushed. When the West Indies did it at home, it was invariably in front of packed houses. The crowds have gone away, with the soulless and dispiriting 2007 World Cup a particular nadir, and so has their supremacy. The West Indies' biggest problem now is management: their batting line-up would assume entirely new proportions with the return of just one man, former captain Chris Gayle, whose continuing spat with the country's cricket board has kept him out of the team for nearly a year. Gayle may well be a challenging character, but bringing the best out of challenging characters is one of the key skills of a good manager, and no one is doing it.

It's a reminder—with the BCCI making a few questionable decisions ahead of the current series, and crowds sparse—of one consistent lesson from cricket in recent decades: the countries with the best-run boards tend to have the best teams.

Northeast Super Model Contest 2011

2011-11-19T20:29:00.001-08:00

Northeast Super Model Contest 2011
Imna Longhcar
A journey of hope and dreams
From the hills of Manipur, to the rocky mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, the plains of Assam, the Scotland of the East or the Abode of cloud, Meghalaya, the land of Cheraw-bamboo dance, Mizoram, the land of forts, Tripura, the valley of flowers, Sikkim, and the land of festivals, Nagaland, witnessed a mega event of the decade in the guise of North East Super Model Contest 2011 on October 28 at Northeast Agri Expo Site, Dimapur.
Assembled as eighteen hopefuls for the best of the best models from the entire northeastern states including Sikkim in the commercial hub of the state, Dimapur, from October 24 to 28 to vie for the coveted title of “North East Super Model Contest 2011,” the girls during their stay felt that though they were from different race and culture, the contest itself had brought them together as one family - oneness-a great journey and life time experiences that entails ‘A Hope and A Dream’ to share together which would ultimately lead them for a new beginning and empowerment.
From poetry, dancing, crooning and to moulding intricate pots embellished with our day to day needs - dal and rice, the talent round which was held prior to the final saw most of the contestants putting in their unsurpassed abilities to woo the judges which was ultimately won by Tripti Diyali of Sikkim with her spell bounding dance.

Miss North East 2011 Ketholeno Kense (C) flanked by 1st runners up Sukalpa Das from Assam and 2nd runners up Lily Maibam from Manipur.
Supported by Department of Planning & Co-ordination, Government of Nagaland (GoN), and Co-sponsored by North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India (GoI), the contest was staged as an event to showcase the talent of beauty through competitions, diversified culture and unique clothing of the region, the contest saw eighteen contestants introducing themselves and highlighting their respective states in the modern ethnic wear round where Ketholeno Kense of Nagaland won the “Best Modern Ethnic Wear” title.
Powered with a view to give purpose to the contest held on the theme “Culture & Couture-Synchronizing Faces, Fashion and Feminism”, the girls were put on strenuous routine of choreography by none other than our very own Esther Jamir, Super Model, who with her vast experience of walking the ramps and brushing her shoulder with top notch super models of the country and displaying the creations of well acclaimed designers of the country and abroad, made the girls at ease for those contestants though first timers from the day they checked in at Hotel Saramati (NHL), Dimapur, the official hospitality partner of the contest.
The contestants were also given lectures during seminars on dining etiquettes, beauty tips and were also taken for outings which were included in their itinerary during their follow ups for the grand finale of the contest.
Niathu Resort, the enchanting and exotic locale at Chumukedima was the venue for the eighteen wannabe Super Models where the official photo session was conducted with Charlie, a renowned personality from Mizoram, who owns an in-house production unit of handlooms and handicrafts under the banner and style-Heritage Mizoram in Aizwal and a regular face in the fashion scenario also organizes shows in Shillong, Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai as a choreographer.
The ever flamboyant Nise Meruno (Zowe Madrigal) and his boys did the opening act and serenaded the girls in their evening gown while other celebrated artistes were Mami Varte from Mizoram and our very own Faith In Action (FAI) team who with their acrobatic tactics and martial arts and stunts received an overwhelming response from the audience.
The much acclaimed Northeast Supermodel Contest 2011, which was initiated and organized by Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGoN) also introduced Opangtongdang, the reigning Mr. India Earth 2011-12 and Alino Sumi, 2nd Runners-up (Miss Dimapur 2011) as entertainment fillers to the contest which was attended by select individuals to witness the mega show while reigning Miss Nagaland 2010, Hattinneng Hangsing and Miss Dimapur 2011, Kajenkala, made special appearances.

(L-R) Livika Chishi who also won the title of Miss Beautiful Smile and Miss Northeast Super Model Khetholeno Kense of Nagaland.
Hosted by Toshizen Longkumer and Moala Aier as co-host, Kahuli Sumi as the official designer for the contest, the evening was graced by ‘Who''s Who’ of the northeastern states as guests that also witnessed Ajay Bisht (Delhi), international choreographer and stylist, Lucy Sailo (Mizoram), Pioneer fashion designer of the region, Aldous Mawlong (Meghalaya), MCS, Director cum Chairman, Shillong Fashion Society (SFS), Nishikanta Khoishnam, convenor, Four Hopes (Miss Manipur) and Choreographer, and Rachael Among, Miss Nagaland 1992 and Miss East India 1995, amongst the panel of judges, who ultimately decided to crown Ketholeno Kense of Nagaland as ‘Northeast Supermodel 2011’ followed by Sukalpa Dal (Assam) and Lilly Maibam (Manipur) as first and second runners-up respectively.
Ketholeno walked away with a cash prize of `1 lakh along with complimentary gifts, Sulkalpa Das was awarded a sum of `50, 000 with gift hampers while Lily Maibam (Manipur) pocketed `30,000 along with gift hampers.
All the ten subtitle winners were also awarded cash prizes of `10, 000 each along with gift hampers while the five finalists walked away with wrist watches sponsored by the World of Titan, Dimapur.
Official make-up artists for the show were Aren Longchar and Asen Kichu while Hotel City Tower, Merrison Print House, Ekada, Café 77, Pixie Dust and Hiyo Café were the event associates.
The 2nd Northeast Supermodel Contest 2011 in Dimapur which was represented by three contestants each from Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Sikkim, two representative each from Mizoram and Assam, and one representative each from Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, would definitely instill in them the experience of a new beginning, a new ray of hope and the dreams that they aspire to be in life.
Sub-title winners
1. Miss Talented - Tripti Diyali (Sikkim)
2. Miss Perfect 10 - Ketholeno Kense (Nagaland)
3. Miss Beautiful skin - Lily Maibam (Manipur)
4. Miss Beautiful Smile - Livika Chishi (Nagaland)
5. Best Modern Ethnic Wear - Ketholeno Kense (Nagaland)
6. Miss Congeniality - Gayatri Dey (Tripura)
7. Most Popular Audience Choice - Sukalpa Das (Assam)
8. Miss Catwalk - Himakshi Agarwala (Assam)
9. Miss Beautiful Hair - Pratima Thokchom (Manipur)
10. Miss Photogenic - Lalthanmawii (Mizoram)

Tipaimukh deal struck 'silently': report

2011-11-19T19:45:00.001-08:00

Manipur's government has secretly struck an investment deal with a number of state-run organisations for setting up the controversial hydroelectric power plant and Tipaimukh dam on India's Borak River.

BBC said in a report that the agreement was signed on Oct 22 between the State Government of Manipur and hydro developers Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd and NHPC (formerly known as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited) at New Delhi under major wraps.

The deal would see the setting up of a joint company, which will be responsible for the construction of the dam and the power plant, the report said.

hydroworld.com, a website catering to the hydroelectricity industry, said that the deal had been signed and that the agreement states that NHPC will own 69 percent of the company, SJVN will own 26 percent and the Manipur government will own five percent.

BBC quoted Manipur government's irrigation and flood control minister N Biren Singh as saying, "The government's policy is very clear, the Tipaimukh project shall be implemented. It will be funded with aid from the central government, specially the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER)."

Follow the link to read the entire news here

Tipaimukh deal struck 'silently': report

2011-11-18T23:51:00.001-08:00

Dhaka, Nov 19 (bdnews24.com)—Manipur's government has secretly struck an investment deal with a number of state-run organisations for setting up the controversial hydroelectric power plant and Tipaimukh dam on India's Borak River.
BBC said in a report that the agreement was signed on Oct 22 between the State Government of Manipur and hydro developers Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd and NHPC (formerly known as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited) at New Delhi under major wraps.
The deal would see the setting up of a joint company, which will be responsible for the construction of the dam and the power plant, the report said.
The proposed project has sparked debates in Bangladesh after India took initiative to build the dam. Experts and rights activists have said Bangladesh would be adversely affected if the dam is built upstream. Even in the State of Manipur, rights groups have been campaigning against the scheme for years and demanded the government scrap the plan.
In Bangladesh, various political parties and environmentalists have taken firm stand against the plan, and a parliamentary team briefly went to Manipur in 2009 to have an idea about plant site. But the helicopter carrying the team had failed to land at Tipaimukh due to bad weather.
The raging debate and concerns by the citizens' groups and media have led Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh to assure in a joint declaration that India shall not take any steps, regarding Tipaimukh, that might adversely affect neighbouring Bangladesh, during Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to India in 2009.
hydroworld.com, a website catering to the hydroelectricity industry, said that the deal had been signed and that the agreement states that NHPC will own 69 percent of the company, SJVN will own 26 percent and the Manipur government will own five percent.
BBC quoted Manipur government's irrigation and flood control minister N Biren Singh as saying, "The government's policy is very clear, the Tipaimukh project shall be implemented. It will be funded with aid from the central government, specially the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER)."
Biren also told BBC that the state government is also contacting the Indian prime minister Mahmohan Singh to make him declare the project as 'a national project' of India.

A shared experience moulds Indian and US students

2011-11-17T22:30:00.001-08:00

WASHINGTON: For Singmila Shimrah, a Naga from Ukhrul in Manipur, studying in the US is a "dream come true" and for Sheena Hall, an African-American, her sojourn in India was a "cultural shock" to begin with.

Yet both swear by their respective experiences in the other's homeland and how it has helped them see things from a new perspective.

"Shimrah and Hall shared their experiences of studying in the US and India respectively with foreign media at an event here to mark the International Education Week to highlight the importance of international exchange programmes to promote mutual understanding."

For Shimrah, a Fulbright student from India working on her master's degree in international relations at George Mason University's school of conflict analysis and resolution, it is a dream come true not only for her, but for her parents and her country.

".my mom, she never got to go to school because she had to drop out to take care of her younger siblings. And my dad, he studied only till tenth standard. He dreamed to study, but he could never make it," she said at an interaction with foreign media here.

"And I am here fulfilling my dreams, my parents' dreams, my region and my country's dream."

Shimrah, who has for almost eight years worked with women, with street and working children and with the youth in the conflict-torn area hopes to "be a peace builder and a voice of the voiceless and be a part in bringing change," when she returns back home.

"What I love most about America," she said, "is they see me for who I am, not because of my background, not because of my parents, not because of the life that I have lived. They see my potential."

Sheena Hall, a Gilman scholar, who spent five months in India studying Indian politics and culture in Hyderabad and also learning a little bit of Hindi language, said "when I first got there, it was more of a culture shock."

"I didn't really know how to handle certain situations. So I think that India was a big growth part in my life," she said.

"It helped me grow, and it helped me learn how to handle stressful situations and really how to put myself out there in anything that I do. So that was a great experience," said Hall who is currently studying politics and Arabic language at Howard University here.

If Shimrah was surprised by the individualism when she came to America, Hall "was surprised by the community base, how everyone was kinder" when she went to India.

"Another thing I was surprised by was the misconceptions that Indians had when I was India of us Americans. And also the fact that a lot of people - they didn't know much about African Americans in India" she said.

"And I was also happy that I could share with them what it was like to be African American in America and that they do exist and kind of give them the view of equality that I feel when I'm in America."

Ibobi to meet PM on ‘Supra State body’ to Nagas

2011-11-17T21:05:00.001-08:00

IMPHAL, Nov 18 – The Manipur government has termed as “serious” reports about the Centre considering granting ‘Supra State body’ status to Nagas settled in the north-eastern States before Christmas.

The State government has decided to seek a clarification from the Centre about the issue, official sources said here today.

After a State Cabinet meeting last night, it was decided that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh would visit New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram to discuss the issue.

Media reports had said that the Centre was considering granting of ‘Supra State body’ status to all Nagas settled in the North-east to enable them preserve their ‘identity, tradition and customary laws’.

Senior Manipur Opposition leader O Joy of the Manipur People’s Party said it was an attempt to disintegrate the north-eastern State. – PTI

Road tax to continue in Mizoram

Aizawl, Nov 17 – The Mizoram government would continue to levy road tax in accordance with the Mizoram Taxation and Road Tax Act, 2011 till it was amended, Transport Minister PC Zoramsangliana said here today.

Zoramsangliana told a press conference that a Study Group was being constituted to make recommendations for amendments and these were made, the road tax structure - rates and payments based on a vehicle’s life-time would stay.

The Mizoram Vehicles Taxation Refinement Demand Co-ordination Committee (MVTRDCC), an umbrella organisation of vehicle owners and drivers, was formed after the govt levied road tax on vehicles on a lifetime basis of 15 years and raised tax by 20 % for transport vehicles and 50 % for private vehicles.

India’s border plans will go nowhere: China daily

2011-11-16T00:55:00.001-08:00

New Delhi: India’s plans to recruit 100,000 soldiers over the next five years and deploy them on the Indo-China border to strengthen its defence mechanism has clearly annoyed China, which says New Delhi’s troop buildup will go nowhere.

As per a report published in a leading Chinese daily, the Communist state thinks that India’s military buildup will only aggravate tensions between the two countries. The reaction from the Chinese side came nearly two weeks after the Defense Ministry here approved a USD 13 billion military modernization plan.

Against the backdrop of Chinese military buildup along the international border, the Army recently proposed an increase in its strength by around one lakh and raising a new mountain strike corps along with other new formations in the Northeast.

“We have proposed to increase our strength by another 90,000 to one lakh troops and that has been cleared by the Defence Ministry. The proposal is at present awaiting clearance from the Finance Ministry,” Army sources said.

Army's present strength is more than 11 lakh troops including over 35,000 officers. As per reports, the increase in the number of troops will be done in a phased manner over a period of more than five to six years.

Asked about the expansion plan, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju had said, “We are keen on securing borders and we will take steps to do so. Wherever we feel there is a threat, adequate measures will be taken.”

When quizzed about reports that China could do a Kargil on India, he said, “There is nothing to be particularly alarmed about the Chinese border.” He said this while talking to reporters at a function in Manekshaw Centre recently.

Under the Army proposal, which is likely to cost over Rs 60,000 crore, the Army has sought government's sanction for raising a mountain strike corps and four mountain divisions.

The Army is also planning to deploy two independent armoured brigades in Uttarakhand and Ladakh. Once cleared, the proposal would be put up before the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval and financial sanction.
The average growth rate of India's military spending has stood at 7 percent to 8 percent for more than a decade, and its military spending ranks ninth in the world. India is also the world's largest arms importer.

“Despite India’s huge military spending, its economic growth has recently been slow, with last year’s economic growth rate hitting a six-year low. It is very difficult to considerably increase military spending for military buildup amid the economic downturn, so India needs to first create a tense atmosphere and transfer domestic problems in hopes of securing more military spending,” the Chinese media was quoted as saying.

The Chinese media further alleges that India continues to hold joint military drills with China's neighboring states, which shows its intention to confront China.

Nagaon, Nov. 13: Dima Hasao police last night apprehended nine cadres of the Hills Tigers Force, including its commander-in-chief, from a secret hideout, at least 40km from the district headquarters of Haflong. The cadres were caught from the outfit’s headquarters-cum-training station at Arda under Harangajao police station. Two hardcore cadres, however, escaped from the site during the operation. Those arrested included self-styled commander-in-chief Benjamin Zoalin Zaute, finance secretary Zarathiak, a lance corporal and six trainee cadres. The arms haul included seven SBBL guns used for training, two 7.6 pistols, two grenades, 15 gelatin sticks and some ammunition. Additional superintendent of police (headquarters) S.S. Panesar said the police had specific reports regarding the presence of the cadres in the camp, established to carry out the last round of attack on Dimasa villages. “Before the cadres became aware of police presence, the area was surrounded and there was no chance of any retaliation. Most of them were caught while attempting to flee. Some, including two hardcore cadres, Alex and Parathiek, however, managed to flee,” Panesar said. The operation was carried out in conjunction with 25 Assam Rifles. Hills Tigers Force emerged two years back ostensibly to safeguard the rights of the non-Dimasas, who were struggling for a separate district and autonomous council. Currently, the outfit has more than 60 cadres from different non-Dimasa communities. The outfit was behind the last two attacks on Dimasa villages in which 30 houses were burnt and two villagers gunned down. Benjamin, 27, and Zarathiak, 27, hail from Moulhoi in Haflong. “During interrogation, Benjamin and his associates admitted their involvement in all the recent incidents, including the attack on a goods train on October 5, a bomb blast at Mahur and two attacks on Dimasa houses. They also confessed to their relationship with a faction of the NSCN. We are continuing our interrogation to extract more information about the outfit and its future plans,” said a high-level source of Dima Hasao police.

2011-11-13T21:18:00.001-08:00

Nagaon, Nov. 13: Dima Hasao police last night apprehended nine cadres of the Hills Tigers Force, including its commander-in-chief, from a secret hideout, at least 40km from the district headquarters of Haflong.

The cadres were caught from the outfit’s headquarters-cum-training station at Arda under Harangajao police station.

Two hardcore cadres, however, escaped from the site during the operation.

Those arrested included self-styled commander-in-chief Benjamin Zoalin Zaute, finance secretary Zarathiak, a lance corporal and six trainee cadres.

The arms haul included seven SBBL guns used for training, two 7.6 pistols, two grenades, 15 gelatin sticks and some ammunition.

Additional superintendent of police (headquarters) S.S. Panesar said the police had specific reports regarding the presence of the cadres in the camp, established to carry out the last round of attack on Dimasa villages.

“Before the cadres became aware of police presence, the area was surrounded and there was no chance of any retaliation. Most of them were caught while attempting to flee. Some, including two hardcore cadres, Alex and Parathiek, however, managed to flee,” Panesar said.

The operation was carried out in conjunction with 25 Assam Rifles.

Hills Tigers Force emerged two years back ostensibly to safeguard the rights of the non-Dimasas, who were struggling for a separate district and autonomous council. Currently, the outfit has more than 60 cadres from different non-Dimasa communities.

The outfit was behind the last two attacks on Dimasa villages in which 30 houses were burnt and two villagers gunned down.

Benjamin, 27, and Zarathiak, 27, hail from Moulhoi in Haflong.

“During interrogation, Benjamin and his associates admitted their involvement in all the recent incidents, including the attack on a goods train on October 5, a bomb blast at Mahur and two attacks on Dimasa houses. They also confessed to their relationship with a faction of the NSCN. We are continuing our interrogation to extract more information about the outfit and its future plans,” said a high-level source of Dima Hasao police.

Northeast India Conclave 2011 held in Delhi

2011-11-13T21:15:00.001-08:00

NEW DELHI, Nov 14 – For the first time, a conclave exclusively focusing on the Northeastern region was organised in the National Capital. The conclave was named as Northeast India Conclave 2011, a Press release said.

The conclave was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Water Resource Development Vincent H Pala along with former Director of Intelligence Bureau Ajit Doval.

The conclave started with a condolence prayer for the departed soul of the maestro and balladeer from the North East – Dr Bhupen Hazarika.

The event started with its first interactive session on “Problems of Students Studying in Delhi & Other Cities” which was chaired by Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Agatha Sangma along with Commissioner of Delhi Police Brijesh Kumar Gupta, Sr Advocate, Supreme Court Meenakshi Lekhi and TV Media personality of CNN-IBN, Karma Paljor.

The second session on “North East: Policy, Their Efficacy and Need for Reforms was chaired by MP from Sikkim, Prem Das Rai along with former MP of Arunachal Pradesh Kiren Rijiju, former MP of Nagaland Asungba Sangtam and Prof (Dr) A Bimol Akoijam, from School of Social Sciences, JNU.

The final session on “North East Tourism & Its Impact on Cultural Heritage was chaired by MP and BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay along with former Tourism Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Tsona Rinpoche and others.

The event was planned by Northeast India Foundation – a non-profit organisation.

'If Manipur had 12 MPs instead of two, we'd have been wooed'

2011-11-13T21:10:00.001-08:00

Pradip Phanjoubam is editor-proprietor of Imphal Free Press - and living in Manipur while it's under siege. Speaking with Jyoti Punwani , Phanjoubam describes how people are managing with a blockade that's crossed 100 days - and how the state failed Manipur again:

It's been 100 days and an end to the blockade doesn't seem in sight - how has life in Manipur been?

The shortage of gas and fuel has been tough. Since Manipur is still largely an agrarian society, we all have rice and vegetables, no one's going hungry. So, tempers remain down - but once the stocks of fuel run out and school buses go off the roads, the pinch will be felt...The government should have clamped down when the blockade started. The CM should have simply applied the Supreme Court ruling on highways being out of bounds for agitators, asked the Centre to send extra forces or used the army to clear the highway. He should have convinced MLAs to tell their people this won't be allowed - given even a hint, the agitators would have refrained.

How do you view the media's coverage of Manipur's situation?

Many TV channels themselves said Maharashtra or Gujarat would not have been allowed to be blockaded, even for a week. One channel told me it would cost them Rs 2 lakh to send their team for 15 minutes of coverage. They would need the same amount in advertising to pay for the coverage...'It's a backward tribal area. These tribals are difficult to handle' - i've heard this so many times, even from central government officials. We are just `the other'.

Diverse governments have ruled at the Centre, not one made a difference to Manipur. Do Manipuris feel frustrated?

If Manipur had 12 MPs instead of two, we would have been wooed. But as long as democracy remains a numbers game, minority voices will remain unheard. And when your democratic voice is not heard, you resort to undemocratic methods. That's the prime reason for the insurgency - it's a language that's heard.

But Manipuris are now learning Hindi, sending their kids to Delhi, buying houses there. They cheer for India now that there are Manipuris in the national teams. It's no longer someone else's story. The Centre must ensure the northeast's participation in nation-building. Currently, there's nothing taught about the northeast in our history textbooks; we feel we are studying someone else's history. There's also the question of the image of 'an Indian' - we don't fit that image.

Speaking of images, Irom Sharmila's fast has now entered its 12th year. While she's become an icon of Manipur's sufferings, do you feel somewhere she may also be trapped?

I have written that she should be allowed to give it up. If she wants to go away, be a private woman, many Manipuris will be happy for her.

Finally, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) debate is focussed on Kashmir today but the prime minister had promised to repeal AFSPA in Manipur - in 2004. How do people feel about that?

Our demand is, tag AFSPA to the democratic legal system, make the army accountable. If an innocent gets killed by the police, you can go to the local MLA, the CM, to court. If you're killed by the army, you feel helpless since AFSPA gives it immunity. Civil law is supposed to be above the army. The commander-in-chief of the army is a civil leader and now, a woman. When the army objects to AFSPA being removed, it is saying "we don't recognise civil rule".

Northeast Indian people are vulnerable to stroke

2011-11-13T05:57:00.001-08:00

Nava Thakuria

It was not a routine press interaction, but the information revealed by Dr NC Borah, an acclaimed neurologist of the country, in a meeting simply mesmerized the media persons.

The CMD of GNRC Hospitals, Guwahati disclosed some stunning information regarding the prevalence of stroke in Assam and northeast India. According to Dr Borah every day not less than 80 people in Assam (which has a population of around 30 million) suffers from the stroke.

Dr Borah had interacted with journalists at Guwahati Press Club on October 29 on the occasion of World Stroke Day. It was a actually a health check-up camp for journalists which was organized by GNRC Hospitals.

As the name suggests, the stroke or acute brain disorder occurs all of a sudden irrespective of the age and gender of an individual. The most horrible statistics are that one in six persons in the world will face the stroke in their lifetime. More to it, one person dies from stroke in every six seconds in the globe. The stroke is the third largest killer (after the heart attack and cancer) in India.

“Many patients die on way to the hospital as the common people have very limited knowledge of stroke. The relatives of the patients take longer time to realize that it was stroke and that way the golden period (immediate first three hours after the stroke) is lost.

Otherwise, 70% of patients can be treated and the patients can go back to his work after the treatment,” said the modest neurologist. According to the physicians’ language, a stroke (also known as brain attack) occurs due to the impairment of blood supply to a part of the brain thus reducing or preventing oxygen & nutrient supply.

It leads to sudden brain dysfunction and results in sudden neurological deficit. The severity of stroke depends on the extent of brain damage and the location on the brain where the damage has occurred. Stroke can be classified into two types: one caused by a blockage of a brain blood vessel and the second by the rupture of these blood vessels.

The immediate symptoms of patients will be sudden feeling of weakness, blurring of vision, difficulty to walk & speech, sudden confusion, loss of balance, severe headache, vertigo, vomiting etc. There may be also a mild stroke, which an individual suffers for some hours. The mini stroke has all the symptoms of stroke but those may disappear in 24 hours. But it should not be ignored as a mild stroke can be the warning of an imminent major stroke.

Mentionable is that the stroke claims nearly six million lives annually in the world. The WHO estimates 80% stroke cases in the globe will occur in low and middle income countries including India in the coming days. The populous country (over one billion) records over 1.7 million stroke cases annually, where 30 per cent succumb to the brain disorder and among the surviving most of them have to lead a disabled life. India is apprehended to report over 1.5 million cases of stroke
annually by 2015.

Dr Borah highlighted about some risk factors leading to stroke that include high blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar with the habit of smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity etc. Similarly the growing ages increases the risk of stroke. Various studies confirm that males are more prone to stroke than women.

Via India to Israel - The Migrations of the Bnei Menashe

2011-11-12T21:37:00.001-08:00

Source: ISN
It is well known that Israel is a land of immigrants, with the ethnic composition of the country staggering in its diversity. A group more unusual than most has recently begun to add to the ethnic mosaic: They call themselves the “Bnei Menashe” or “Children of Menasseh”.
By Shalva Weil for ISN Insights
So far, 1,500 tribal people from north-east India have immigrated to Israel, with a further 7,200 due to join their brethren in the Jewish state. The decision (in principle) to bring the Bnei Menashe was taken four months ago by the Israeli Ministerial Committee on Immigration and Absorption, headed by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. The Israeli government is expected to pronounce a final verdict on the subject in the near future. The rationale behind the decision to bring tribespeople from north-east India to Israel is that they are “lost Israelites” exiled by the Assyrian kings, who are now in the process of returning “home”. According to the Bible, the northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in the eighth century BCE and the ten tribes (Reuben, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, Menasseh, Ephraim, Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher) in the Kingdom were exiled, their fate always being something of an enigma. Although it was generally assumed that these exiled Israelites eventually assimilated, particular Biblical passages contained prophetic proclamations (such as Isaiah, 11:11-12; Ezekiel, 37:21-23) which suggested that they continued to live on and would be ‘ingathered’ in later days. Hopes of discovering the Ten Lost Tribes and belief in the possibility of their ultimate return were kept alive throughout the ages.
Migrations and Religions
The Bnei Menashe are in fact the Shinlung, a collectivity of tribes also known as Kukis, Chins or Mizos, who reside in the remote states of Manipur and Mizoram in north-east India, and in Tiddim in Burma. Originating in the area near Afghanistan to which the Ten Lost Tribes were exiled, they were pushed eastward into northern India, to Tibet, and from there, to China. According to their narrative, they retained their own customs but endured persecution by the Chinese, who killed their priests and burned their holy books, which explains why they do not possess any Scroll of the Law or texts in Hebrew. Some of the Shinlung escaped and took refuge in caves, becoming known as ‘The Cave People’, a familiar motif in this part of the world. Emerging from the caves, the people established a separate village named Sinlung (hence their collective appellation, Shinlung). From approximately 1300 CE they moved to Shan State and crossed the great river Irrawaddy; they reached their present habitat in India on the Burmese border between 1100 and 1600 CE.
The Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram came under British rule in the 1890s as a result of the Chin-Lushai expedition and the Anglo-Manipur War. After missionaries established themselves in the region, members of the Shinlung began converting to Christianity and, by 1981, about 83% of the population of Mizoram and about 30% of the population of Manipur had converted to some form of Christianity.
Echoes of the past
With their introduction to the Bible, some Shinlung saw parallels between their pre-Christian pagan traditions and those of the ancient Israelites, particularly with regard to sacrificial practices and millenarian beliefs. Their conversion to Judaism began comparatively recently: In 1951, Challianthanga, head deacon of the United Pentecostal Church in the village of Buallawn in Mizoram, had a dream that God told him that the Mizos were descendants of the lost Israelites, who should return to their original homeland, Israel, and practice their ancient religion. Judaism neatly dovetailed with their pre-Christian indigenous religion and a millenarian connection to Judaism was made through imputed affiliation to the Ten Lost Tribes.
The Manipur Jews Organisation was established in 1972, and, a decade later, individuals from Manipur and Mizoram had made direct contact with Israelis (including this author) and Jewish organizations worldwide. Small groups began to convert formally to Judaism and emigrate to Israel, but, once there, they encountered problems: Their conversion in Bombay (Mumbai) was not recognized by the Chief Rabbinate, so today members of the group convert formally to Judaism in Israel.
From September 2004, a new advocacy group, Shavei Israel, established and financed Hebrew centers in Manipur and Mizoram to train candidates for conversion. It also hosted a delegation of rabbis from Israel who investigated the claims and the practices of the Bnei Menashe, which paved the way to their recognition as “the seed of Israel” by Chief Rabbi Amar in March 2005.
Lost tribe or political maneuver?
Under Israeli law, Jews have the right to automatic citizenship; skeptics have many doubts as to why the Shinlung, now declared descendants of the lost tribe of Menasseh, should be allowed to come and live in Israel. In the past, members of the group were often settled in the West Bank and Gaza settlements, but today they are being diverted to the northern parts of Israel. They appear to integrate well into society and some serve in the Israel Defence Forces. Several have married other Israelis. Within Israel, they are not thought of as members of low-status 'tribal' groups; most simply see these "Children of Israel" as Indian Jews. The question is how “Jewish” this immigration is to the Jewish state - and whether the motivations of the Bnei Menashe are primarily economic, or religious.

Dr Shalva Weil is a Senior Researcher at the Research Institute for Innovation in Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. She is a specialist in Indian Jewry and is the Founding Chairperson of the Israel-India Friendship Association.

India looks beyond South Asia

2011-11-11T21:03:00.001-08:00

Photo: Deccanchronicle, Lookatvietnam
Sifat Uddin
"India's leadership has the potential to positively shape the future of the Asia-Pacific... and we encourage you not just to look east, but continue to engage and act east as well."
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State, USA
US-India Strategic Dialogue, 20th July 2011,
Chennai, India.
This year, Hillary Clinton made some high remarks regarding India's leadership in South Asia and beyond during her last India tour. At a strategic dialogue between India and the US, held in Chennai, Hillary made a clear indication that her country wants to see India as a leader within a vast region, ranging from South Asia to Asia Pacific including Central Asia. In recent times some significant developments in South Asia and South East Asian strategic landscapes are now proving that Hillary's speech has far reaching impacts. Developments in the regional politics include the recent visits of the heads of the governments from Vietnam and Myanmar to India; India's footprint in, probably, the most sensitive area in the world at this moment- South China Sea (SCS). All these developments place us in a situation where we get an opportunity to explore the possible unseen links between Hillary's speech and regional political developments.
Last month, Vietnamese president Trung Tan Sang paid four-day visit to India, aimed at deepening ties between two countries. Six agreements were signed during the visit. Among those agreements the most noteworthy is regarding oil and gas exploration by an Indian state owned company, ONGC Vindesh, in waters disputed by Vietnam and China in the SCS. Chinese criticism regarding the Indian exploration plans, already voiced last August this year, when Indian external minister SM Krishna visited Hanoi and announced that India would go ahead with operations notwithstanding China's opposition. It is relevant here to mention that Vietnam and India enjoy mutual strategic interests as per as common threat perception from China is concerned.
In the same month, Myanmar's president, retired General Thien Sien, also visited New Delhi for four days in a bid to increase trade and cooperation, especially in energy sector. Since Myanmar has important energy resources in abundance, both India and China have been eyeing to buy those to meet their growing domestic energy demands. In the immediate pasts Myanmar's energy resources had been under China's sole occupation. Presuming Myanmar's strategic importance, India started to develop relationship with that authoritarian country in the first half of 1990s. Policy towards Myanmar was initiated under India's broader policy towards South East Asia- "Look East Policy". Though India is the largest democracy in the world it doesn't hesitate to establish relationship with the world's most 'despotic state' Myanmar. This contradictory stance is termed as 'U-turn from idealism to realism'. Relations between Myanmar and India have been growing in the past few years. Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam visited Myanmar in 2006 and two years later, Vice-President M.Hamid Ansari paid an official visit to the country in 2009. Reciprocally Myanmar's former leader Senior-General Than Shwe and many high officials visited India between 2008 and 2010. Myanmar-India bilateral trade reached 1.071 billion U.S. dollars in 2010-11 and India stood as Myanmar's fourth largest trading partner after Thailand, Singapore and China according to official statistics. This year India promised Myanmar that it would lend $500 million in credit for a variety of infrastructure projects. Moreover, both countries discussed border security issues, a major concern for New Delhi, as insurgents groups from its northeast have set up camps along the frontier with Myanmar.
The recent developments can be analyzed in two dichotomized perspectives. One perspective claims that those regional developments mainly taking place because of concerted effort from India and USA. But another point of view claims that South East Asian states are anchoring on Indian shore because they are tormented by China's belligerent policies. If we enter deeper in those incidences then we will see that there is a 'balancing game' working in whole regional politics. Focusing primarily on the economic ties in the beginning, India and its South East Asian counterparts have increasingly expanded the scope of cooperation to include other issues, such as defense and security. For South Asian states, an eastward looking India provides an array of opportunities, and is especially useful for balancing Chinese influence in the political, economic and defense realm in the region. For example, in the aspect of Myanmar the seesaw is characterizing Myanmar's relations with its principal ally China. During Thein Sein's visit to Beijing in May, the two countries decided to proclaim "a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership". Recently, however, Myanmar's decision to suspend the construction of the Myistone dam in the northern Kachin state, a project meant to supply electricity to China which was being executed by a Chinese corporation with massive Chinese investment, has caused substantial tensions. For Vietnam, she is upset with China's claims in SCS. Now these states are taking India as an option to replace China as much as possible.
Another thing, the existing bonhomie relationship between two global powers, US and India, is instigating South East Asian states to strengthen their existing relationship with India more. So it is very much apparent that significant political developments in South East Asia are coming on India's way. Now retrospect the Hillary's last India tour and her ambitions concerning India. Now the US wants to fish in the troubled water of SCS. Probably India will give the proxy for the US. Vietnam will be the stronghold for the US in South East Asia which she assumes as much as good friend as England in Europe. On the question of SCS dispute the US is giving strong support to many SCS littoral states including Vietnam with both moral and materials. India's approval of off-shore exploration for oil and gas in SCS by its state owned company, a clear defiance against China, was mainly propelled by the US. Now in the South East Asia and SCS region China has to face India first before the US.

The writer is Editor, fairbd.net.

Tea truck hijacked near Silchar

2011-11-10T19:48:00.001-08:00

Silchar, Nov. 11 : A mini truck laden with tea bags weighing 7,000kg, valued at Rs 10 lakh, was hijacked last night by a gang near Udarbond township, 10km from Silchar.

The consignment of CTC tea was on its way to the auction centre in Guwahati from Dewan tea plantation, the largest tea garden in the Barak valley owned by the B.K. Birla group’s Jayashree Tea and Industries Limited.

A police source said the truck’s driver and cleaner are also missing.

The truck belongs to a transport company called ERC Carrier, which has its headquarters in Silchar.

The general manager of Dewan tea estate, P.K. Mishra, met district superintendent of police Dipak Choudhury to request for a speedy search.

Cachar police suspect that the truck may have been taken to Haflong, prompting them to alert their Dima Hasao counterparts.
Top

Via India To Israel: The Migrations Of The Bnei Menashe – Analysis

2011-11-09T19:34:00.001-08:00

by: ISN Insights

It is well known that Israel is a land of immigrants, with the ethnic composition of the country staggering in its diversity. A group more unusual than most has recently begun to add to the ethnic mosaic: They call themselves the “Bnei Menashe” or “Children of Menasseh”.
By Shalva Weil
So far, 1,500 tribal people from north-east India have immigrated to Israel, with a further 7,200 due to join their brethren in the Jewish state. The decision (in principle) to bring the Bnei Menashe was taken four months ago by the Israeli Ministerial Committee on Immigration and Absorption, headed by Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman. The Israeli government is expected to pronounce a final verdict on the subject in the near future.

Israel
The rationale behind the decision to bring tribespeople from north-east India to Israel is that they are “lost Israelites” exiled by the Assyrian kings, who are now in the process of returning “home”. According to the Bible, the northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in the eighth century BCE and the ten tribes (Reuben, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, Menasseh, Ephraim, Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher) in the Kingdom were exiled, their fate always being something of an enigma. Although it was generally assumed that these exiled Israelites eventually assimilated, particular Biblical passages contained prophetic proclamations (such as Isaiah, 11:11-12; Ezekiel, 37:21-23) which suggested that they continued to live on and would be ‘ingathered’ in later days. Hopes of discovering the Ten Lost Tribes and belief in the possibility of their ultimate return were kept alive throughout the ages.

Migrations and Religions

The Bnei Menashe are in fact the Shinlung, a collectivity of tribes also known as Kukis, Chins or Mizos, who reside in the remote states of Manipur and Mizoram in north-east India, and in Tiddim in Burma. Originating in the area near Afghanistan to which the Ten Lost Tribes were exiled, they were pushed eastward into northern India, to Tibet, and from there, to China. According to their narrative, they retained their own customs but endured persecution by the Chinese, who killed their priests and burned their holy books, which explains why they do not possess any Scroll of the Law or texts in Hebrew. Some of the Shinlung escaped and took refuge in caves, becoming known as ‘The Cave People’, a familiar motif in this part of the world. Emerging from the caves, the people established a separate village named Sinlung (hence their collective appellation, Shinlung). From approximately 1300 CE they moved to Shan State and crossed the great river Irrawaddy; they reached their present habitat in India on the Burmese border between 1100 and 1600 CE.
The Indian states of Manipur and Mizoram came under British rule in the 1890s as a result of the Chin-Lushai expedition and the Anglo-Manipur War. After missionaries established themselves in the region, members of the Shinlung began converting to Christianity and, by 1981, about 83% of the population of Mizoram and about 30% of the population of Manipur had converted to some form of Christianity.

Echoes of the past

With their introduction to the Bible, some Shinlung saw parallels between their pre-Christian pagan traditions and those of the ancient Israelites, particularly with regard to sacrificial practices and millenarian beliefs. Their conversion to Judaism began comparatively recently: In 1951, Challianthanga, head deacon of the United Pentecostal Church in the village of Buallawn in Mizoram, had a dream that God told him that the Mizos were descendants of the lost Israelites, who should return to their original homeland, Israel, and practice their ancient religion. Judaism neatly dovetailed with their pre-Christian indigenous religion and a millenarian connection to Judaism was made through imputed affiliation to the Ten Lost Tribes.
The Manipur Jews Organisation was established in 1972, and, a decade later, individuals from Manipur and Mizoram had made direct contact with Israelis (including this author) and Jewish organizations worldwide. Small groups began to convert formally to Judaism and emigrate to Israel, but, once there, they encountered problems: Their conversion in Bombay (Mumbai) was not recognized by the Chief Rabbinate, so today members of the group convert formally to Judaism in Israel.
From September 2004, a new advocacy group, Shavei Israel, established and financed Hebrew centers in Manipur and Mizoram to train candidates for conversion. It also hosted a delegation of rabbis from Israel who investigated the claims and the practices of the Bnei Menashe, which paved the way to their recognition as “the seed of Israel” by Chief Rabbi Amar in March 2005.

Lost tribe or political maneuver?

Under Israeli law, Jews have the right to automatic citizenship; skeptics have many doubts as to why the Shinlung, now declared descendants of the lost tribe of Menasseh, should be allowed to come and live in Israel. In the past, members of the group were often settled in the West Bank and Gaza settlements, but today they are being diverted to the northern parts of Israel. They appear to integrate well into society and some serve in the Israel Defence Forces. Several have married other Israelis. Within Israel, they are not thought of as members of low-status ‘tribal’ groups; most simply see these “Children of Israel” as Indian Jews. The question is how “Jewish” this immigration is to the Jewish state – and whether the motivations of the Bnei Menashe are primarily economic, or religious.
Dr Shalva Weil is a Senior Researcher at the Research Institute for Innovation in Education at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. She is a specialist in Indian Jewry and is the Founding Chairperson of the Israel-India Friendship Association.
Published by International Relations and Security Network (ISN)
About the author:
ISN Insights

China on overdrive in N-E

2011-11-08T22:02:00.001-08:00

Rakesh K Singh

New Delhi : Outfits are getting weapons to fight India, intelligence dossier quotes NSA
With China taking “intrusive interest” in the developments of the Northeast, seven Meitei outfits of Manipur, backed by NSCN-K, in July this year formed United Front, which had been backed by China for a while now.
“These outfits (of the Northeast) were getting supply of weapons from China, which was a matter of serious concern. India’s success in Bangladesh had given an opportunity to China to deal with these outfits at one place in Myanmar and use them against India,” a classified intelligence dossier quotes National Security Advisor (NSA) Shiv Shankar Menon as having said at a closed door session of top security officials here recently.
The NSA also raised concern over China’s involvement in India's neighbourhood saying, “The activity and presence of China in neighbouring countries had adverse security implications for India.”
After India’s successful operations against insurgent groups in Bangladesh, the insurgents have moved to Myanmar. The Border Security Force, meanwhile, has moved a proposal to raise 45 battalions (45,000 men and officers) to guard the Indo-Myanmar border and take over the role from Assam Rifles.
China is involved in construction of roads, buildings and in providing food aid in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. China has also increased its presence in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka for infrastructure development, such as building of roads.
There are also reports of Chinese intelligence and Pakistan’s ISI visiting Taka area in Myanmar.
According to intelligence inputs, recently ULFA’s anti-talks faction led by Paresh Barua, People’s Liberation Army of Manipur, Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang faction) (NSCN-K) and United National Liberation Front (UNLF) came together on the advice of China to form a United Front.
“The formation of United Front by the Meitei underground groups has become a cause of concern for Government agencies,” says the dossier.
Notwithstanding peace initiatives with NSCN/IM, a faction of ULFA, and Ranjan Daimary faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland, certain Naga groups, are demanding change in administrative arrangements in Hill areas of Manipur. They are also attempting to disturb peace in Upper Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
The anti-talks faction of ULFA, according to the report, remained engaged in subversive activities and is trying to strengthen its military capabilities. The NDFB has been able to establish its presence in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nepal and Bangladesh. However, the Ranjan Daimary faction of NDFB has declared unilateral ceasefire despite being the most violent insurgent group in 2010.
Continued presence of Northeast insurgents in Bangladesh and Myanmar and “intrusive interests by the Chinese in the developments in the Northeast” remain major challenges for the security agencies in tackling insurgency in the Northeast and a justification of the continued presence of security forces in the region.
Other concerns on the Northeast front include increase in ethnic clashes and growth of Adivasi militia groups on account of perceived discrimination further makes the situation volatile in this part of the country.
Another worrying development has been the recent efforts by the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist) to make a foray into Upper Assam areas.
Insurgent groups operating in Meghalaya find safe havens in Sherpur and Mymensing districts of Bangladesh. Although there are no indigenous insurgent groups in Arunachal Pradesh, the anti-talks factions of NDFB and ULFA use Tirap and Changlang districts as shelter for transiting to Myanmar. These districts have also witnessed factional strife between NSCN-K and NSCN-IM.
While Meitei and Naga insurgent groups were active in Myanmar, Nepal continued to be used as sanctuary by the Meitei underground groups and the NDFB (Ranjan Daimary faction). Both ULFA and NDFB maintain training centres and temporary shelters in Bangladesh.
China being a major economic and military power has presence in India's neighbouring countries, raising concern within the security establishment.
The report also says that cyber threat from the Chinese had increased, and India needed to be careful about protecting her cyber networks from Chinese hackers.
The prime target of such cyber attacks are security-related institutions like the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) and National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC).
The report pointed out that India was not well networked at present, which reduced the chances of cyber attacks. However, with the development of NATGRID, MAC and NCTC, the risks would increase.

10 bombs found on Assam railway bridge

2011-11-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

Silchar (Assam) : A railway official Tuesday averted a possible tragedy when he found 10 crude bombs along with blasting devices from a railway bridge on the Lumding-Badarpur hill section in southern Assam, an official said.
“The 10 powerful bombs along with blasting devices were found at a railway bridge between Mahur and Phiding stations on Lumding-Badarpur hill section under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR),” NFR spokesman Nilanjan Deb told reporters.
“The bombs were found by railway trackman K.R. Das during a normal patrolling duty. Immediately, several trains scheduled to ply through this section were stopped, averting possible disasters,” he said.
Deb said Army soldiers, railway protection force personnel and railway officials have reached the site, 400 km south of Assam’s main city Guwahati.
The bombs were removed and defused by the security personnel.
The security forces have begun a search operation to nab the culprits.
After a thorough search for a few hours, the railway track was declared fit for train movement and normal train services resumed in the afternoon, the spokesman said.
NFR has been running trains between Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram and southern Assam and the rest of India via Guwahati through this vital hill section.

Manipur blockade: 1,900 vehicles to bring essentials from Assam

2011-11-07T20:35:00.001-08:00

Imphal, November 7, 2011

CENTRE SLEEPS AS MANIPUR SUFFERS: Protracted blockades by different groups on the national highways leading to Manipur have caused untold suffering to the people. Starved of essentials, these residents of Imphal, part of a 4-km-long queue, patiently wait for their quota of petrol on Monday, the 99th day of the blockade. The blockade was launched by the United Naga Council to protest against the demand of the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee to upgrade the Kuki-majority Sadar Hills area in Naga-minority Senapati district into a full-fledged revenue district. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar
The Manipur government on Monday sent around 1,900 vehicles with police escort to Silchar in Assam to bring foodgrains and petrol with the State facing shortage of essential commodities due to the economic blockades, since August 21, called by United Naga Council, officials said.
All the vehicles which left Imphal for Silchar would arrive with essential items and petroleum products in the next two days, they said.
Manipur has been facing acute shortage of foodgrains, petrol and life saving drugs due to the economic blockades imposed by UNC on Imphal—Jiribam—Silchar and Imphal—Dimapur— Guwahati national highways to protest the demand of Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) to upgrade Kuki— majority Sadar Hills area into Naga—majority Senapati district into a full—fledged revenue district.
Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh had also appealed to the UNC to withdraw the blockade.
“We are having patience but the government may take stern action if the situation does not improve,” Mr. Singh had said on Sunday.
The SHDDC had ended its 93-day old economic blockades on the Manipur portions of the two national highways on October 31 after an agreement with the state government which agreed to convert the area into a revenue district.
There was a four—km—long queue on Sunday at a petrol pump. Today only one pump was selling petrol.
Petrol is being sold in the black market for Rs 200 per litre and cooking gas at Rs 1,650 per cylinder.
During his recent visit to the state, Home Minister P. Chidambaram had appealed to the people to settle all disputes through dialogue.

Total blockade in parts of Manipur, life badly affected

2011-11-04T04:05:00.001-07:00

Imphal: A three-day 'total blockade' called by Naga leaders has begun in parts of Manipur despite an appeal by union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to Naga groups to suspend their agitation, an official said Friday.
The blockade, which began Thursday night, has badly affected life. Naga leaders say this is to protest the Manipur government's agreement with leaders of the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC).

'Shops, banks, offices and educational institutions were shut while vehicular traffic remained off the road in Naga tribal dominated areas, specially in northern and western Manipur, due to the stir,' a government official told reporters here Friday.

'Life was crippled in the hilly regions. No untoward incident has been reported yet from anywhere in the mountainous areas adjacent to Nagaland and Assam,' the official added.

Accompanied by the chief minister, Chidambaram during his two-day trip that ended Thursday, visited different parts of Manipur. He appealed to Naga groups to call-off their agitation and sit with the government to resolve their demands.

'There is no problem which could not be solved through dialogue,' Chidambaram said at the gatherings held in Tamenglong and Senapati districts

A joint statement issued by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the All-Naga Students' Association in Manipur (ANSAM) said: 'The state government's handling of the issue of formation of a new district is condemnable.'

'The Manipur government had signed an agreement with leaders of the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) Monday midnight without consensus. The accord is in complete violation of the agreement the government had reached with the Naga bodies earlier,' the statement said.

The SHDDC had launched the economic blockade Aug 1 on two arterial national highways - Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH 39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH53) - to press the demand for conversion of Kuki tribal majority Sadar Hills area into a full fledged district.

The 92-day long economic blockade was lifted by the SHDDC Tuesday following the agreement.

However, tribal Nagas inhabiting the area are opposed to creation of a full fledged Sadar Hills district.

The Nagas have since Aug 1 also launched a counter-blocakde on the two highways opposing the demand by the Kuki people for a separate district.

Of Manipur's 2.7 million residents, 33 percent are tribals, comprising 29 major tribes in the hills, with Nagas and Kuki being two of the dominant ones.

Nagas intensify stir in Manipur

2011-11-03T23:56:00.001-07:00

Imphal, Nov 4 : Even as Home Minister P Chidambaram who arrived here appealed to the Nagas to come for a dialogue, United Naga Council (UNC) and other Naga Bodies reacted strongly to the agreement between the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) and the Government of Manipur, denouncing it and accusing the state government of trying to incite communal conflict between the communities. Consequently, besides continuing with the counter economic blockade, the Naga body has also announced total bandh from midnight of November 3 for three days.

The SHDDC is pressing for a creation of a full-fledged Sadar Hills District and it withdrew the blockade right on the eve of the Home Minister’s visit to the state, suspended its three months’ long economic blockade following an agreement reached with the Government of Manipur. The agenda of the Home Minister’s visit, besides the inauguration of much-needed infrastructural requirements of the interior districts, also has a review meeting of the law and order situation and scarcity of essential commodities.

Manipur has long been demanding a Highway Protection Force since at a drop of hat some organization or the other, blocks the highways on some pretext pushing up the prices of essential commodities. Another issue which has exercised and agonized the people of state is the Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1958. The sentiment of the people of Manipur against this draconian act most aptly represented by Irom Sharmila’s fast which completed 11 years yesterday demanding its repeal.

Constant harassment and extortion demand by cadres of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) has forced Assam truckers to suspend services to Nagaland’s Mon district since last evening. About 50 trucks carry boulders to the Bogibeel project from Mon daily. The trucks ply on the Sonari-Namtola Road in Sivasagar district bordering Nagaland.

The president of the Sonari Truck Owners Association, Basanta Konwar, said the NSCN (I-M) militants demand Rs 400 per truck ferrying boulders from Mon district failing which the militant outfit has threatened to torch the vehicles.

The development is likely to hamper construction at the ongoing Bogibeel project in Dibrugarh because bulk of the boulders for the project comes from Mon district of the neighbouring state.

93-day economic blockade ends after signing of pact

2011-11-03T21:49:00.001-07:00

State govt agrees to Kukis’ demand for creation of a separate Special Area Demarcated Autonomous Region hills district
Ratnadip Choudhury
Guwahati

The breakthrough comes just a day ahead of Home Minister P Chidambaram’s two-day visit to Manipur

This year’s Kut—the harvest festival—brings double joy to the Kukis in Manipur with the state government agreeing to their demand for creation of a separate Special Area Demarcated Autonomous Region (SADAR) hills district. The late night agreement ended the 93-day economic blockade on Manipur’s main national highway by the SADAR Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC), but the Nagas are dead against the pact. The Kukis decided not to celebrate Kut under the shadow of the blockade with LPG, petrol and diesel running dry, acute scarcity of oxygen cylinders and life-saving drugs, and rocketing prices of essential commodities. For the last 93 days, National Highway 39, which links capital Imphal to Dimapur in Nagaland at Kangpokpi, witnessed violent clashes and burning of vehicles. Kangpokpi now wears a different look.
The SHDDC, which was not ready to budge an inch from its demand of immediate creation of SADAR hills district by carving out areas from three subdivision of Senapati district--Kangpokpi, Saikul and Saitu Gamphazol--agreed to finally end the longest-ever economic blockade in Manipur’s history.
Under the agreement, the state government will upgrade SADAR Hills as full-fledged district at the earliest after submission of a report by the District Re-organisation Committee, which was constituted by the Okram Ibobi Singh government, within three months.
The SHDDC imposed the economic blockade on 1 August. “We had a long discussion with the Chief Minister and the state government has agreed to our demand. Therefore, we decided to end the blockade. Nothing can be better for our people with news arriving on the auspicious day of Kut,” SHDDC President Ngamkhohao Haokip, the firebrand Kuki youth leader who led the movement of separate districthood, said.
The agreement was signed between Ngamkhohao Haokip and Tonghen Kipgen, President and General Secretary of SHDDC respectively, and Chief Secretary DS Poonia and Secretary to Chief Minister Sumant Singh. The breakthrough comes just a day ahead of Home Minister P Chidambaram’s two-day visit to Manipur. “We had taken up the matter with the Home Minister and he assured us that he would ask the Ibobi government take concrete steps. This is a victory for our people, but we will not tolerate if the government does not implement the agreement,” warned Haokip while talking to TEHELKA over the phone from Kangpokpi.
According to the copy of the memorandum of understanding signed between the state government and the SHDDC available with TEHELKA:
1. The government has agreed to upgrade Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district at the earliest after the submission of report of the District Re-organisation Committee.
2. The government has agreed to create more subdivisions by bifurcating three subdivisions. Kangpokpi subdivision would be divided into Champhai and T Vaichong subdivisions with headquarters at Champai and T. Vaichong. Saikul subdivision would be divided into Saikul and Island subdivisions with headquarters at Saikul and Island. Saitu-Gamphazol subdivision would be divided into Saitu-Gamphazol and Kangchup Geljang subdivisions with headquarters at Gamnom Saparmeina and Kangchup Geljang respectively. The three subdivisions would be inaugurated within this month.
3. The Manipur government has also agreed to withdraw all legal cases against SHDDC leaders and volunteers and other cases related to the agitation.
The issue became contentious since the Nagas in Manipur are dead against the idea of creating a separate SADR hills district. The apex body of Nagas, United Naga Council (UNC), imposed a counter blockade on 21August. The Nagas are opposed to the idea since they do not want any division of Naga-inhabited areas. The Nagas are in majority in the four hill district of Manipur--Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong.
“The state government’s decision shows that the Ibobi government is trying to divide the tribes of Manipur before the Assembly election. The Nagas should have been consulted,” a senior UNC leader said over the phone from Senapati. “UNC will decide the next course of action; we will not give an inch of the Naga-inhabited areas,” he added. The Nagas cite a MoU signed on 10 November, 1992, in Imphal, in which the Manipur government committed to safeguard their interests.
The signing of the agreement, just before Chidambaram’s visit, shows New Delhi involvement in the breakthrough. Assembly elections in Manipur are slated for February 2012 with 20 important tribal seats at stake.
With inputs from Sarat Chandra Sharma in Kongpokpi
Ratnadip Choudhury is a Principal Correspondent with Tehelka.
ratnadip@tehelka.com

Gogoi raises Dimasa hopes

2011-11-03T00:26:00.001-07:00

Nagaon, Nov 3 : The Dimasa statehood issue may be resolved soon, albeit with a few “compromises”.

This was the assurance given by Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi to a 17-member Dimasa delegation, who met him in Dispur yesterday.

The delegates from All Dimasa Students Union, Dimasa People’s Council, Joint Action Committee for Dimaraji Movement and All Dimasa Women Forum met Gogoi and submitted a single-point memorandum demanding early solution of the Dimasa statehood issue.

Gogoi’s assurance about an “early solution” comes just a month after the Centre’s interlocutor P.C. Haldar’s comment that the talks with Dima Halam Daogah were reaching the last stage and an accord would be signed soon.

Joint Action Committee for Dimaraji Movement convener Lakpa Lama said, “We requested the chief minister to find an honourable solution of the matter in accordance with the charter of demands of the Nunisa-led faction of DHD. He assured us that the proposed accord would be signed at the earliest, but there might be some compromise regarding some points in the charter.”

According to Lama, Gogoi assured the delegation that a very sincere solution of the issue would be arrived at, and that the proposed pact might reflect the basic needs stated in the DHD charter.

According to a source at Dispur, the accord with the Dimasa militant outfit would be signed for a territorial council and as for the DHD’s demand for inclusion of parts of the neighbouring districts of Nagaon, Cachar and Karbi Anglong, there would be negotiations.

“We hope the militant outfit would let go of this demand and an accord would be signed for a territorial council within the existing geographical boundary of the Dima Hasao district autonomous council,” the source said.

Lama, however, said the geographical boundary issue was not discussed in yesterday’s discussion with the chief minister. “Geographical boundary and other clauses are part of the militant outfit’s discussions with the Centre. We just want a solution in accordance with their demand, for the greater interest of peace and development of the region,” he said.

DHD chief Dilip Nunisa, on the other hand, said the outfit would not compromise on the proposed Dimaraji boundary. “We are ready to come down from the main demand — an autonomous state. But we will not compromise when it comes to the original boundary of the ancient Dimasa kingdom,” he said.

Chidambaram asks Nagas to end blockade in Manipur

2011-11-03T00:24:00.001-07:00

Imphal: A day after the Centre arrived at an agreement with the Kuki tribe in Manipur over the creation of a separate district, thus resulting in the partial lifting of the economic blockade after 93 days, the government today exhorted the Nagas to also call off the blockade.

The state, which has been reeling under a crisis for over three months ensuing from the economic blockades on two national highways - Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati (NH-39) and Imphal-Jiribam-Silchar (NH-53) - got a major relief as the Kukis demand for conversion of the Sadar Hills area near Imphal into a full-fledged revenue district was met with. The Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) - spearheading the movement for the separate district Kuki-dominated district - signed a deal around midnight with Imphal with the state government.

But the Nagas aren't happy with the decision. Led by the United Naga Council (UNC), the tribe has decided to intensify their counter-blockade on the two highways on the Manipur side. The UNC, in fact, has called for a three-day bandh from midnight tomorrow to protest against the government's assurance of turning the Sadar Hills area into a separate district.

An UNC spokesman said the bandh would be supported by the All Naga Students Association Manipur. He said that the ongoing economic blockade on the Manipur parts of the NH 39 and NH 53 which the group had launched on August 21 would also continue.
The two highways serve as the lifeline to Manipur as supplies of all essential items are brought to the state from adjoining Assam and other parts of India.

Mr Chidambaram held talks with the Nagas today and assured them that their interests would be taken care of. Speaking to the media later, he said that more development was possible in the state if there was peace. He also said that most of the money was being spent on the Army in the state.

Even as efforts are on to defuse the crisis, the economic blockade over the last three months has badly hit the common man. Medical services in the state, especially, have become a major casualty.

Doctors at Imphal's largest critical care hospital are worried. Oxygen supplies there are down to a bare minimum and the emergency stock of anaesthesia too is down to last just for a day.

"Two times since the blockade started, we have had to announce publicly that we will not be able to take any more ICU patients as our oxygen and other gas stocks are not enough", Dr Sorokhaibam Jugindra, the Medical Superintendent of Shija Hospitals said.

The situation in hospitals in other parts of the state is no different with medical stocks depleting fast. Chemists too have run out of stocks of life-saving drugs including for basic illnesses like diarrhoea and blood pressure. "We are facing a lot of trouble. Earlier our shop used to full of medicines but now you see, it's all empty...At this rate we will have to shut shop soon", Padam Singh Kangjam, a chemist, said.

Chidambaram appeals for suspension of Manipur blockade

2011-11-01T00:31:00.001-07:00

NEW DELHI: Home Minister P. Chidambaram Monday appealed to groups demanding a separate district in Manipur to suspend their 92-day-old economic blockade, which has led to prices of various commodities sky-rocketing in the north-eastern state.

"I appeal to the Kuki groups and other groups to suspend the agitation," Chidambaram told reporters while releasing the monthly report of his ministry.

He said essential commodities were available in the state, though prices had spiralled.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and Governor Gurbachan Jagat have also repeatedly urged the agitators to withdraw the blockade.

The Sadar Hills District Demand Committee ( SHDDC) began the indefinite road blockade on National Highway (NH) 53 and NH 39 that link the northeastern state with the rest of the country.

They are demanding that the Sadar Hills sub-division in the Naga-dominated Senapati district in northern Manipur be upgraded as a full-fledged district.

Stilwell Route: What Are Its Economic Implications? – Analysis

2011-11-01T00:24:00.001-07:00

Written by: IPCS
October 31, 2011

By Jayasree Nath
There are two important viewpoints regarding the reopening of the Stilwell route as a trade road. The one in support considers the commercial development and overall trade benefit of the region. The other, in opposition, argues that there are existing cross-border trade routes through the Northeast via Sikkim and Mizoram to China and ASEAN countries which ought to be maintained and developed. In the midst of plans to look at other possible roads for trade, is it necessary to focus on Stilwell Road which is debated to have various security implications?
Considering the increasing trade relations between India and China this road has viable economic importance. Once the Stilwell road is operational, it will reduce the transportation cost between China and India which some experts argue will be around 30 per cent or more in current trade value. MK Saharia, the chairperson of the Northeastern Initiative of the Indian Chamber of Commerce pointed out that the broad-gauge railway connectivity up to Ledo which is also the starting point of Stilwell Road will help in the transfer of goods from other parts of India, and further on to China.

China - India Relations

Beijing recently hosted the first ever India-China special talks on strategic economic cooperation, which is one step forward for their bilateral cooperation. On the Indian side, New Delhi is also hoping to get a positive response from China on the Indian pharma sector, which remains off-limits.
The Indian side of the road is in usable status and China has already turned the section in its territory into a six-lane highway. Although Myanmar has expressed its disinterest in opening the road, recent reports suggest that that construction has been started on their side of the border. Hence, the Government of India needs to hold some concrete discussion with Myanmar about the road. More border level talks and interaction between the business communities of both countries will be a major boost to this.
It is interesting to note that experts on and supporters of the operationalization of Stilwell road have only highlighted the India-China trade benefits and not Indo-Myanmar trade. Although India and Myanmar share an extensive boundary, the existing formal border trade is virtually nonexistent. Except for farm and forest products, most commodities imported through Myanmar by informal channels are largely products manufactured in China, ASEAN countries or even the Koreas and Japan. In contrast, the informal exports to Myanmar whose commodities are varied and range from basic necessities like medicines and kerosene to household consumption items are manufactured in India itself. Therefore, with Myanmar, there is huge potential to develop bilateral economic cooperation via this route which would also assist the growth of the Northeast. The agro industry is a feasible sector within which both countries can cooperate for intra-industrial cooperation.
Apart from producing agricultural surpluses, Myanmar’s coastal areas are also richly deposited with natural gas where a couple of Indian companies including the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is already engaged in exploration and production. The Indian government is now moving forward to improve bilateral trade relations with Myanmar by increasing its investments in the latter. In addition, India has also offered to cooperate on a number of road projects, like the up-gradation of Tamu-Kalay and Rhi-Tiddim Roads and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway Project.
However, there are reports that Chinese manufactured products have extensively penetrated Myanmar’s market. In such a case, will India have any opportunity in the markets of Myanmar? In certain items like medicines and fertilizers India still commands a substantial share. Indian manufacturers can set up a production base in the Northeast for catering to the markets in Myanmar and beyond, just as China has established production centres near the China-Myanmar border and even inside Myanmar to penetrate cross-border markets.
Apart from boosting trade between India-Myanmar and China, the road is also considered important for the development of the Northeast. The starting point of the road, Ledo, is in Assam, which believed to be the gateway to Northeast India and is well connected to all other Indian states. In the region, only Assam is connected by rail with other states in the rest of India. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh are very much in support of the road in view of the potential commercial growth and prosperity of the region.
The Northeast has ample potential in the agro industry, handloom, rubber industry, fisheries, poultry, fruit industries along with other industries such as oil, coal, limestone, tea which has yet to be explored. Assam is the most convenient place to develop a processing unit and explore the trade potential of Northeastern commodities. This will not only help to develop the export potential of Northeastern products but also help connect the Northeast to the rest of India. Under the aegis of the North Eastern Industrial and Investment Policy (NEIIPP) 2007 which declared the whole region as a Special Economic Zone, private businessmen can be encouraged to invest towards the infrastructure deficit in the region.
Jayasree Nath
Research Intern, IPCS
email: jayasreenath@gmail.com

Telegraph apologizes for Sharmila story; to hit stands

2011-10-31T01:04:00.001-07:00

Imphal, Oct 31 : After a gap of nearly two months copies of The Telegraph daily will be available again in the news stands in Manipur. On Sunday, representatives from The Telegraph and the Apunba Lup held a talk which was facilitated by All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) in Imphal.
The Telegraph side was represented by its regional manager Pankaj Thakur. As per information received, The Telegraph representative on behalf of the daily said "sorry" today to the people of Manipur regarding the September 5 edition of the daily carrying the Irom Sharmila romance story. Pankaj Thakur said it had no intention to portray Sharmila in any bad light.
It can be mentioned that The Telegraph daily newspaper was banned in Manipur for indefinite period by civil society organisations under the aegis of Apunba Lup since September 6. Copies of The Telegraph newspapers were also burnt in several places in Imphal on that day.
The development was prompted by the publication on hunger striker Irom Sharmila's private life. Civil society organisation leaders had said they were angry because in the last 11 years of Irom Sharmila's agitation the national media refused to focus her in the front page but on September 5 edition of The Telegraph the daily used the news item on private life of the hunger striker as the main news of the day.
The Apunba Lup said there was a conspiracy by the national daily to sabotage the movement of Sharmila who is demanding to repeal Armed Forces Special Powers Act. The Apunba Lup also had said that it was very difficult to meet Irom Sharmila "but how come a reporter from New Delhi just came and met the hunger striker that easy," and questions about the concerned authority who gave permission to The Telegraph reporter. "It is an insult to the whole of Manipur people," fumes the Apunba Lup leaders.
Apunba Lup is a conglomerate of several civil organisations including United Committee, Manipur (UCM) and AMUCO.

Concerns over growing violence against the North East people

2011-10-30T23:49:00.001-07:00

The National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) condemns the violence against North East Indian people in Delhi. Recently, a Naga girl from Manipur was sexually assaulted by a local man in Delhi. For long, North East people have been facing discrimination in their work place, school, university and neighborhood and particularly girls from the region face sexual abuse. However, the law enforcing authorities are reluctant to take action against offenders. The state authorities are biased against the North East Indian people.

Discrimination based on Race, Culture and Religion is against the values of our constitution. The constitution of our country guarantees the citizens to move freely throughout the territory and freedom to reside and settle in any part of India. Hence, the NCCI calls upon the Government authorities to ensure the security of the people, particularly persons from North East India. We also urge the Government to sensitize its staff on the North East Indian culture and develop specific programmes for their integration with the local people. We demand that the Government takes strong legal and punitive action against the offenders.

SHDDC calls 48-hr bandh ahead of PC's visit

2011-10-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

IMPHAL: The Sadr Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) has called a 48-hour bandh in the hills and an indefinite strike in the Sadar Hills area of Senapati from Monday, intensifying the ongoing stir seeking creation of Sadar Hills district, a day ahead of Union home minister P Chidambaram's visit to Manipur.

The SHDDC has imposed an economic blockade on the Imphal-Silchar and Imphal-Dimapur routes since August 1.

After landing in Imphal on Wednesday morning, Chidambaram is scheduled to move to Senapati district headquarters and inaugurate a mini-secretariat there.

The home minister would also visit Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts before leaving the state capital the following day.

Coming down heavily on the state government's failure to comply with its demand, the SHDDC in a statement said government is "communalizing the constitutional issue of Sadar Hills inauguration as a full-fledged autonomous district to flare up tension between communities in Manipur."

"While SHDDC does not have any intention to dislocate the integrity of our land, the state government has been falsely propagating unfounded and illogical agenda against the inauguration, to achieve electoral gain by considering the communal interests sans the general development, welfare and future of the state," said a statement from committee.

"People of Sadar Hills do not ask for separate land but separate administration for better development which the Constitution of India had envisioned back in 1971," it said.

Leaving a constitutional provision unimplemented in a particular area for forty years is a matter of constitutional crisis, the statement added.

"We wonder why the Union government has little knowledge on the law it had made. If the constitutional law enacted by then Parliament for and on behalf of the state of Manipur is not implemented for forty years, does the Parliament not have any role to play in it?" questioned the SHDDC.

If neither of the Constitution, nor the state government has nothing to do in interest of Sadar Hills, international institutions like the UN need to intervene and declare Sadar Hills areas as un-administered and come forth with a solution for the sake of democracy and human rights, it said.

Haflong Based Exalt Reveals Details Of Their Upcoming Single

2011-10-29T22:13:00.001-07:00

Haflong based progressive metal act Exalt revealed details of their 2nd single. The song is titled 'Kill With Me'. According to them, the theme of the song does not deal with human genocide nor with killing someone. The lyrical content of the song is all about killing your inner fears & making ourselves stronger inside.

They also told us that the musical structure of the song will be purely groovy overlapped with dual progressive riffs with some technical shits going on inside the song. The band is all set to release it before November this year. The track is recorded in Lucid Recess studios.

UNC flays 'forced' participation in Sadar Hills stir

2011-10-27T04:09:00.001-07:00

IMPHAL: The agitating United Naga Council (UNC), while stating that it has received reports that supporters of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDCC) have forced educational institutions, Naga villages and non-Kuki villages in Sadar Hills to participate in their movements against their wish, has asked the individuals to desist from such act.

In pursuit of its decades-old demand to create Sadar Hills district, the SHDDC has been imposing economic blockade on NH-2 and NH-37 since August 1.

The UNC -- a conglomerate of several Naga civil bodies in Manipur -- has also launched a similar agitation on the same routes to denounce the state government's alleged bid to bifurcate Naga- dominated areas by creating new districts.

It has been reported that SHDDC supporters have been forcing educational institutions, Naga villages and non-Kuki villages in Sadar Hills and Saitu subdivisions in Senapati district to participate in rallies, economic blockade and other programme for demanding Sadar Hills district against their wishes and desires, the UNC said in a statement.

"It has therefore become necessary to advise the individuals/organizations concerned to desist from such acts of coercion which has no place in democracy. Such unacceptable acts will only create greater rift on communal lines," the statement added.

Bomb blast in Haflong, vehicle damaged

2011-10-25T01:08:00.001-07:00

SILCHAR: Suspected militants triggered a bomb blast inside the office complex of NC Hills Autonomous Council in Haflong, the headquarters of the Dima Hasao district, early on Monday. A police officer said the explosive was kept under an empty bus, which was parked inside the office complex. The vehicle is owned by the council.

"The bomb went off at 4 am. The bus was damaged due to the impact of the explosion," added the officer. However, no one was injured in the incident. Soon after the incident, police and Army personnel rushed to the spot. A hunt is on to nab the miscreants.

On the other hand, miscreants set ablaze the office of the department of agriculture in Haflong at 11 pm on Sunday, partially damaging the office building. The fire was brought under control with the help of locals and fire tenders.

Sources said probes by CBI and NIA are underway in connection with the multi-crore scam in various government departments of Dima Hasao, including the department of agriculture.

Thousands march in Maibang

2011-10-25T00:45:00.001-07:00

HAFLONG, Oct 25 – In protest against the attacks on innocent people by the Hill Tiger Force (HTF), the All Dimasa Youth Organisation B Hagjer Club, Jalai Khurang Club, Green Hills Society, All Dimasa Women Forum and Dishru Cultural Club organised a peace rally at Maibang on October 19.

Thousands of people of Maibang including school students and senior citizens of Maibang took out a procession from Dishru Playground at Maibang and marched through the major parts of Maibang town.

Earlier on October 17 these organisations had submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, Dima Hasao through SDO (Civil) for deployment of security personnel in the Dimasa villages like Tongkikhro, Digerkhro, Bongkai, Prasadimdik (Dimakhro), Didam, Drun, Semkhor, Path II,Yeah, Diduki, Thapa, Phaidmg, Jagdi and Natun Nobdi etc., for providing protection against anticipated attack by the HTF. They also urged to immediately arrest the leaders of HTF and others involved in these ongoing acts of attack on the Dimasa villages to stop these evil acts which has disturbed the communal harmony amongst the people. The memorandum maintained that recently the inhuman activities carried out by the Hills Tiger Force have created chaos in the Dima Hasao district especially among the Dimasa people. A fear psychosis was prevailing among the general public

Three Dimasa villages were burnt down and one person was killed while others were injured in the incident. The Dimasa people residing in the neighbouring areas of non-Dimasa villages were passing sleepless nights due to fear of sudden attack by the Hills Tiger Force. They expressed surprise that within a span of three days, three Dimasa villages were burnt down by the miscreants. These activities have disturbed the peace and tranquility of the entire district, the memorandum stated.

ZSUD FC defeat HSAD FC at NE Tamchon Football Trophy 2011

2011-10-24T00:15:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, October 23 2011:Zeliangrong Students Union Delhi FC defeated Hmar Students Association FC three to one today at the second day of North East Tamchon Football Trophy held at Dr.Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi.

The HSA FC has been 1st runners up of the tournament for two times.

The HSA FC lost against DMZP last year at the finals.

The 5th North East Tamchon Football Trophy opening ceremony was held yesterday at Dr.Ambedkar Stadium.

The opening match was played between the defending champion Delhi Mizo Zirlai Pawl (DMZP) and Arunachal Students Union Delhi (ASUD).

In the first match of the tournament, DMZP defeated ASUD six zero.

Sixteen teams from various tribes of Northe East India are participating in the tournament.

The winner of the tournament will be awarded with the North East Tamchon Football Trophy in addition to Rs 3.00 lakh cash prize, medals and certificates.

The trophy can be owned by any team who wins the trophy consecutively for three years.

The first runners up will be awarded medals and certificates, with a cash prize of Rs 2.00 lakhs.

The secondrunners up will be awarded medals and certificates, with a cash prize of Rs 1.00 lakh.

* The sender of this news can be contacted at lalremlien(at)gmail(dot)com .

KSO cautions ‘communal’ on Sadar demand issue

2011-10-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

Imphal, Oct 23 : Kuki students have cautioned that any political agenda of the government along communal lines would spell doom for the Meitei, Naga and the Kuki. The Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO) said today that the caution is made based on apprehensions of move for ‘alternative arrangement' for the Nagas in Manipur state.
In the context of the current situation, the SKO stated in a press release today, the political history of Manipur, terminology and coverage, is ‘unquestionably communal in nature.’
The KSO said it had already explained that the demand of the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee’s (SHDDC) for a separate district is ‘not communal in nature.’ However, it said, “some Naga bodies” and the state government are ‘intent on making it a communal issue leading to outrages communal statements being leveled against the Kuki community which KSO has taken very seriously, necessitating a clarification on ‘communal lines’ by it.
"The state government is squarely to be blamed. Autonomous District Council (ADC) election was held for the Sadar Hills ADC. However, after the ADC was formed, the people of Sadar Hills were appalled to find that their ‘district’ had turned out to be ‘Senapati and we had a unique situation where two ADCs existed in a single district", said KSO.
It said the state government must remember that it had conducted a successful election exercise with the support of the people of the district and that appropriate administrative structure should be in place and democratic governance and the rule of law should normally follow suit.
KSO also said, “It would be pointless to debate about our origin or uniqueness unless we are discussing anthropology or genetic science or demography.”
Saying that as far the political rights are concerned, the Kuki had fought against a world power (British) to maintain their political control/supremacy in this part of the world and added that the majority Meitei of the plains too had done the same on separate/earlier occasion.
"All these three communities have survived together for centuries till today. Unless we have a healthy respect for one another, communal hatred will destroy us all, not any outside force. And any political agenda of the Government directed along communal lines would spell our doom. It is on this ground that KSO is apprehensive of the move for’ alternative arrangement’ for Nagas within the state which, in the context of the current situation, the political history of Manipur, terminology and coverage, is unquestionably communal in nature", KSO added.

Can the upcoming deal fulfill Dimasas’ dream?

2011-10-22T21:03:00.001-07:00

Wasbir Hussain

There is enough anticipation in Assam’s Dimasa heartland about the outcome of the upcoming agreement between the Dimasa rebel groups and the Government of India. There is no euphoria though because the people in the Dima Hasao district are a conscious lot and know that New Delhi cannot sign two different agreements, one each with both factions of the Dima Halam Daogah---DHD (Nunisa) and DHD (Jewel). The State and the Centre are sitting pretty, happy that they are engaged in peace talks with both the DHD factions. But, for the record, the Government has been talking peace with the DHD (Nunisa) ever since the rebel group entered into a truce in 2003 with no breakthrough as yet. In the meantime, the breakaway DHD (Jewel) faction, that had turned the area into a killing field with its depredations, called a unilateral ceasefire in July 2009 and then came forward to surrender. The laying down of arms finally took place on October 2, 2009. Ever since, the DHD (Jewel) is also in talks with New Delhi.

As of now, the two DHD factions are in parallel talks with New Delhi’s interlocuters. The big question is whether they would be joint signatories to the forthcoming peace accord. One of the demands of the DHD (Jewel) has been the renaming of the district from North Cachar Hills to Dima Hasao (land of the Dimasas). The State Government conceded this demand, an act that had led to much resentment among other ethnic groups who co-habit with the majority Dimasas. In fact, there are suggestions that this resentment has led to the formation of a new militant group called the Hill Tiger Force (HTF), an outfit floated by non-Dimasas. Earlier this month, the HTF claimed responsibility for the assassination of James Dimasa, former DHD (Jewel) ‘home secretary’, near Haflong, the district headquarters. In the following days, HTF rebels are suspected of having targeted a few Dimasa villages in the area and in the ensuing raids, at least one person was killed and several injured. Dozens of hutments have also been torched.

The question being raised in the area is simple---who is the real or more acceptable leader of the Dimasas or the Dimasas and their co-habitants in the area. Is it Dilip Nunisa or Jewel Garlossa? The Government, currently engaged in negotiations with the two factions, must seriously try to get an objective answer to this question. Yes, there may be more than one representative of a community or a community and their co-habitants in an area. Or, for that matter, there may be more than one acceptable leader of a community. The Government’s real challenge at this juncture is how to reach a middle ground, taking into consideration the separate but nearly similar demands of the two factions. Or better still, can the Government make the two factions reach a consensus first on the formula for a solution to the Dimasas’ aspirations and then make them sign on the dotted lines of a single agreement?

Now, groups and organizations in the Dimasa heartland, representing both Dimasa and non-Dimasa communities, feel that the DHD had always been raising one core issue, full attention and measures to fulfill the aspirations of the Dimasas and their co-habitants. Some of these groups seemingly close to DHD (Nunisa) say Dilip Nunisa has been pushing for the interest of the Dimasas and other ethnic groups who have co-existed in harmony in the area and wants Dimasas living outside Dima Hasao district also to come under the new politico-administrative arrangement that is expected to come with the proposed agreement. They claim that the DHD (Jewel) on the other hand is only concerned with the Dima Hasao district. The picture is not very clear but it will be prudent on the part of the Government to go into all aspects in detail before signing any agreement.

What is clear is that the Government is against any redrawing of the map of Dima Hasao district. If that is the case how can Dimasas living outside the district be benefited from the proposed Dimasa accord? Several groups and organizations in the area feel that the Government could consider bringing in Dimasas living outside the district under ‘satellite’ arrangements so that they can get the benefits of the agreement in all spheres of life. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi do not appear to be against this idea although he said he would not comment on what could happen to the Dimasas living in Nagaland’s Dimapur area. Things are far more complex than what it appears on the surface. If anything, there are undercurrents of fear and anxiety in the area.

Grenade found in Haflong, defused

2011-10-19T02:55:00.001-07:00

Police today recovered a powerful Chinese-made grenade from near a petrol pump in Haflong, the headquarters of troubled Dima Hasao district in Assam. Police said the grenade was recovered at about 0730 hrs. Soon the area was cordoned off by the security forces. Members of the Army s bomb defusing squad defused the explosive. Police said it was yet to be identified who had planted it. A hunt was on to nab the miscreants. The incident triggered fresh fear in the hill station after two people were killed, four injured, 27 Dimasa houses torched and a goods train targeted in the southern Assam district since October 5. Hill Tiger Force (HTF), a non-Dimasa tribal militant outfit, had claimed responsibility for the shoot-outs and torching of houses. Ten people have been arrested in connection with the incidents so far, the officials said. IGP (law and order) of Assam police L R Bishnoi is currently on a visit to take stock of the situation in Dima Hasao district. He said security forces had been deployed in at least 27 sensitive villages dominated by Dimasas. Four additional companies of Assam police battalions had been rushed to the district, the sources added.

WHY I JOINED POLITICS

2011-10-18T23:24:00.000-07:00

By Dr. L.Fimate MD.FAIMS.WHO Fellow.

I was born and brought up at Parbung,the second biggest village in Tipaimukh sub division, Churachandpur district, Manipur. Subsequently, the village became the headquarters of the Sub-division and Assam especially from Silchar came through the Barak river, opened shops and traded with the local people who offered their products like oranges, ginger, cotton, pineapples, chillies and others along with forest products in exchange for finished products and essential commodities like salt, sugar, kerosene, medicine, etc.

Until the 50s and through the 70s, Tipaimukh was subsistently self-sufficient in almost everything. The mission schools provided basic education and the first high school in the hill areas of Manipur at Pherzawl produced ambassadors, high civil servants in central and provincial services, qualified professionals in medicine, engineering and teaching, church leaders and social workers. The literacy percentage of the Hmars, the dominant tribe in the area was the second highest among the tribes of Manipur. In short, Tipaimukh area once held a pride of place in Manipur in general and in Hmar history inparticular.

Tipaimukh Today : Having gone through the rigours of a village life during my formative years, and, having tasted the golden period of Tipaimukh area, I have been enchanted by the beauty and charm of Tipaimukh. Even when I was in Europe or America or other advanced countries in the Far-East, my heart continued to revolve around Tipaimukh, always engaging in thoughts of how I could make use of the good things and I came across as an instrument to bring back the area from its pathetic pligh tto a more respectable and self-sufficient level of existence. This is the desire and dream of every Hmar as Tipaimukh has been and will continue to be our Jerusalem, however remote, backward and difficult area it might have become to.

After studying and serving away from Tipaimukh for a few decades, I came back to visit my old hometown, Parbung, the headquarters of Tipaimukh subdivision where I spent my childhood days. To my utter surprise, I found the villages and the people in a most deplorable condition. The villages which enjoyed the pride of respect and self sufficiency in the remote past, have turned into slum-like condition: dilapidated bamboo huts with thatched roof, much worst than my boy hood days fifty years ago. There is endemic famine and starvation and people are practically living from hand to mouth. There is no Public Distribution System. Government Rice from civil supplies are sold at the rate of Rs.20/kg or more. The villages are not connected with motorable roads. There is no sign of modern civilisation at all. Their living conditions are many centuries behind. It appears as if they are being preserved for museum specimens. There are no proper schools and children are deprived of their fundamental rights toeducation. Many intelligent and talented boys and girls, who could have been the pride of the country, are wasted away unsung and unutilised due to lack of educational facilities. No health centre is functioning in the entiresubdivision of 45 villages with a population of more than 40,000 except a Community Health Centre (CHC) at Parbung. However, this CHC is also only partially functioning with only one doctor in hand. Construction of quarters meant for doctors and OPD has been abandoned before completion. Qualified medical staff is hard to come by. This has invited many quack practitioners, resulting in many avoidable deaths. For example, 25 people died within 3 months in a particular area in 2009. Even the 64 years of Indian independence does not seem to have any impact on the people of Tipaimukh, so far development is concerned. They are still living in an extreme poverty and backwardness while Mizoram, just on the other side of the Barak River has shown remarkable progress in every field. They (Mizoram) enjoy the second highest literacy rate in the country. Such a great contrast between two immediate neighbors, though belonging to the same community, requires deep thinking by the authority. It is as lap on the face of the government.

What the Government did for Tipaimukh : For all the backwardness and poverty of Tipaimukh, can we blame the government for neglect and apathy? Can we say that government did nothing to develop Tipaimukh area? That, most of the time, it was under Congress ministry. Then, can we say that the Congress is neglecting Tipaimukh?

When we examine the history of the development in Tipaimukh area with impartial and detached view, we can clearly see that the Congress did everything to develop Tipaimukh. Funds were made available for constructing roads, schools and Health Centres and for the development of all facets of infrastructural facilities in Tipaimukh sub-division. But the people blame their representatives for their insincerity implementing the projects. It is acommon knowledge that the representatives participated in all the contract works within the constituency. But most of the works are either partially executed or unimplemented at all. As a result, funds are either misused or in some cases cannot be utilised at all. Even the so called motorable roads constructed by them on official records, were not motorable. Therefore, it is generally felt that, it was the insincerity of the representatives and not the government as such, which is solely responsible for the backwardness of this area. The successive governments in Manipur have always given special attention to Tipaimukh by giving ministerial berth to MLAs from Tipaimukh most of the times. But, it was the minister who failed to implement development programmes of his constituency. This has greatly damaged the image of the Congress in Tipaimukh. One senior citizen from Tipaimukh has said that though congress ministry is a blessing for others, it is a hindrance to the development of Tipaimukh.

Because of the unbearable hardship faced by the people, and, because of the loss of faith in the leadership, Tipaimukh has for the past few years witnessed exodus of population who have migrated to the neighboring states. People felt that they had been betrayed by their leaders. There was a strong apprehension that, if the condition continues, the entire Tipaimukh subdivision may be abandoned by the Hmar community in the near future, which will be a big blow to the Hmar tribe.

Fearing that, such extreme humiliation could occur in the Hmar community of Tipaimukh, senior citizens and public leaders of Tipaimukh strongly felt the need for a revolution to change the existing political leadership which will lead them to rapid socio economic reforms to save Tipaimukh from the brink of disaster. Public leaders and right thinking people felt that the best alternative and the first step to tackle the problems of Tipaimukh is a change of leadership of a proven quality by giving a chance to the undersigned to become their representative in the State Assembly. The undersigned is, therefore, approached by several leaders to come out and lead the community as MLA in the interest of the people of Tipaimukh in particular and Manipur in general.

Seeing the plight of my people, and the pathetic conditions in which they have been living in this 21st century, I can no more be a silent witness to their problems. I feel uncomfortable to live a life of comfort when my people are living in such an extremely deplorable condition in this modern age.

Therefore, setting aside all the lucrative jobs with attractive salaries offered to me after my retirement in 2010, I have decided to answer the SOS call of my people and my inner voice to serve them as their representative in the assembly in order to salvage them from the bondage of poverty.

On being elected as MLA,serious attempts will be made to achieve the following goals:- To work for the development and upliftment of the people and thus, regain the past glory of Tipaimukh to become the pride of the state and the country.

1. To construct motorable roads for all the45 villages who had suffered for over a century without motorable roads, to improve transport and communication system so as to improve the economic condition of the people.

2. To transform the backward Tipaimukh into a self-sufficient area and a model constituency.

3. To re-establish schools, health centres, electricity and water-supply system to improve the quality of life and standard of living of the people, and nurture them to be good citizens and assets to the country.

4. To establish Higher Secondary School in Tipaimukh and bring about Educational and Economic Revolution in Tipaimukh.

5. To establish tourism centres in Tipaimukh area. Attempts will be made to establish Ruong-le-vaisuo Cultural Centre to host Annual cultural meets for all the 12 tribes whose origin was Ruong-le-vaisuo and make the centre one of the major tourist spots of the country.

6. To restart regular bus services between Churachandpur-Aizawl by constructing Tuivai bridge and rehabilitating NH-150 ( for this, I have already started the work).

7. To provide tin roofing for all the household in Tipaimukh.

8. To complete construction/rehabilitation of Jiri-Tipaimukh road, by renaming it “ Rev.Thangngur Road”.

9. To construct Model Village with all modern amenities viz, road, school, Hospital, Telecommunication centre, Post Office, Bank, electricities, water supply, playground, market shed, community hall, etc.

10. To extend inland waterway from Fulertol upto Tipaimukh so that we have another national highway through water.

11. To be MLA with a difference– To be an MLA for the people (not only for my voters) and be fully devoted to them.

–To serve as a role model for others.

- To play a clean and transparent politics which will be acceptable to the church.

–To break the walls of separation between the various political parties in our community so as to bring about social and moral integration in our society.

Given a chance, I am confident that, with the co-operation from the government and the people, I can transform the backward Tipaimukh into a developed constituency, which can be a model for other constituencies and a pride for the country.

Prof.L.Fimate MD.Former Director, RIMS Imphal. (Prepared on public request)

Source Hmasawnna Thar, Oct. 18, 2011

Kukis on Alternative Arrangement

2011-10-18T22:01:00.001-07:00

Imphal, Oct 19 : The Kuki Students’ Organisation-general headquarters ( KSO-GHQ) says the Kukis do not mind the " Alternative Arrangement" for Nagas within the state of Manipur, but the arrangement should not encroach upon the traditional lands of the Kukis and due regard should be given to the community’s customs, land rights and traditions.
The Kuki students' body informed Newmai News Network today that any issue concerning the political aspiration of a community in the state no matter how legitimate or genuine the case might be, should not be granted without the consent and prior approval of the Kukis.
It further says the Union Government and the state Government should not forget the three major demographical groupings of the state – the Meiteis, the Nagas and the Kukis and a hasty decision taken with an apparent bid to appease one or the other will only be counter-productive.
The Nagas and Kukis have been living together in contiguous and over-lapping areas in most of the hill districts of Manipur. A solution for the political grievances of one should not be at the cause of the other. The Kukis have no qualms in the United Naga Council (UNC) demand for 'Alternative Arrangement' for Nagas within the state of Manipur, provided the 'Alternative Arrangement' does not impinge upon the traditional lands of the Kukis and due respect should be given to the community’s customs, land rights and traditions, says KSO-GHQ on Tuesday.
It also says the KSO-GHQ would like to request their 'Naga brothers' not to communalize the Sadar Hills issue, while adding that the demand for upgradation of Sadar Hills to a full-fledged district is only for administrative convenience.
Even if the demand is granted, the benefit or privilege of a full-fledged district will get not only by the Kukis, but all those residing in Sadar Hills will also avail, says the Kuki students' organization.

Manipur civil societies back demand for Sadar Hills District

2011-10-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

Imphal, Oct 18 : Seventeen different civil society organizations in Manipur have extended their support to the agitation launched under the aegis of Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) on the demand of formation of Sadar Hills district, SHDDC president Ngamkhohao announced today.
This came after a consultative meeting between representatives of 17 civil bodies and SHDDC, which was held at Mini Secretariat Hall, Kangpokpi, Senapati district on Monday. The meeting was organized by SHDDC to seek views and opinion from the various NGOs regarding the blockade. All the leaders of the different civil organizations agreed to support the ongoing movement of SHDDC after a marathon discussion.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Ngamkhohao said that because of their potential power of influence, the SHDDC decided to meet the organizations. He said, " We don’t believe in the Government’s re-organizing committee but at the same time we don’t object to it either. However, this should be done only after Sadar Hills district is inaugurated." When asked regarding lifting of the blockade, he said it would be called off automatically if the proposed Sadar Hills district is inaugurated before the upcoming polls.
Senior Citizen for Society president, N Binoy who was also attended in the deliberation opined that Sadar Hills districthood demand should be granted as the Sadar Hills is needed a township status. "We support the demand of SHDDC", Binoy further said.
President, Sapamcha Jadumani asserted that the divide and rule policy of the Government of India should be stopped immediately. The economic blockade imposed by SHDDC should be strengthened and continued further so that the Government of India can hear the voice of the people. "We will extend support the SHDDC for anything", Jadumani said.
K Madhumangol, Advisor, ICHAM said the demand of SHDDC is a rightful demand. So, the Government should try to solve it at the earliest. Accusing the Central Government for creating the present situation, he said if the Autonomous District Council could be constituted, then they also have the right to grant districthood to Sadar Hills.
Mapi Council president, Manihar also supported SHDDC and said that it was not the time to withdraw the blockade because the Government would hear the in the process and the demand will be fulfilled.

A Naga Girl from Manipur Sexually Assaulted and A Boy Attacked in Delhi

2011-10-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

New Delhi, October 17, 2011

North East Support Centre & Helpline
Sector 6, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075,
Telefax - 011-25084561

A Naga girl from Manipur was sexually abused by a local man in North Delhi last night. A boy who came to help her was brutally beaten by localites and help the accused fled.

According to source reaching to North East Support Centre & Helpline, the incident happened when Ms Joyce (name changed) was making telephone call from a public phone booth last night at around 8:30 PM, a man came from behind and assaulted her. When she raised alarm, a boy belong to same community living nearby, came for her rescue and caught the man. Meanwhile, two local boys attacking him and helped the accused to fled from the scene.

A Naga Student body rushed to Timapur police station and lodged a complaint against the molester. A case is register under FIR 224/2011 and two men who attacked the boy and allowed the molester to fled are detained in police station without any FIR is registered against them until the filing of the report. The man who assaulted the girl is absconding.

Madhu Chandra - spokesperson of North East Support Centre & Helpline spoke to a senior police officer posted in North Delhi campus and expressed the helplessness when law enforcing agencies do not perform their duties. He took up the matter with police officer on duty at Timapur Police station.

"Timapur police station has records of how they have handled the such cases. Two Naga girls were molested by people who came for police recruiting in 2005 and two sisters from Manipur molested in daylight by two men from local in Gandhi Vihar in 2008 under same police station. The cases were denied and delayed for four days until the pressure mounted from media and top officials. These cases are not justified till today" say Madhu Chandra.

Indian Constitution guarantees equality of justice to citizens irrespective of caste, race, religion and place of birth, but it has been always different when it comes to the people from North East India.

"India as a nation, particularly Delhi and National Capital Region have to convince the people of North East India that we are same citizens. Denial and delay in delivery justice to the victims from North East India is a constitutional violation. Xenophobia in law enforcing agencies must be stopped immediately," says Madhu Chandra.

North East Support Centre & Helpline (www.nehelpline.net) is combined initiative of various human rights activists, social workers, students, journalists and lawyers seeking to prevent harassment and abuses meted out to women, North East People and tribal communities of different states.

Released by

Gen Samte
Media In-Charge

Assam governor appeals for peace in Dima Hasao

2011-10-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

GUWAHATI : Assam Governor JB Patnaik today appealed to people to maintain peace in Assam's Dima Hasao district where violence has claimed one life and several houses have been set ablaze. "It is very unfortunate that fresh violence has started in the district and some houses have been burnt down. I appeal to all to maintain peace at all costs and the situation is not allowed to turn into ethnic clashes," the Governor said in a statement here. He asked the authorities to ensure that all disorderly elements are controlled.

One person was killed and three others were injured in fresh violence in the district when attackers, claiming to be members of the local underground outfit Hills Tiger Force, swooped down on an ethnic Dimasa village, Gaijan, and set ablaze 16 houses late last night.

Eight houses were burnt down at Chota Longri village and chief of surrendered insurgent group Dima Hasao Daogah (James) James Dimasa, at Haflong on Friday.

Insurgents burn down 19 houses in Assam's Dima Hasao hills

2011-10-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

The almost two-year long lull in the insurgency-hit ethnic cauldron of Dima Hasao (erstwhile North Cachar) hill district of Assam has been vitiated once again even as the government is trying to restore peace in the area through dialogue with faction of militant Dima Halam Daogah.

At least 19 houses belonging to dominant Dimasa community were razed in two villages of the district by armed miscreants who also shot dead a 99-year-old man.

Police sources informed that a group of about 30 armed miscreants with their faces covered with black cloth swooped down on remote Gaijen villages of Dimasa community located about 30 kilometres away from the district headquarter town at Haflong and set fire to 16 houses out of the total 36 houses in the village.

The armed men also opened indiscriminate fire before setting fire to houses. A 99-year-old man, Thaishring Daulagupu, was killed in the firing, while three others including a woman were injured. The fire gutted some granaries in the villages. The same armed group while returning set fire to three more huts in a nearby village Ziri.

Meanwhile, a newly-formed insurgent group called Hill Tiger Force has claimed responsibility for the dastardly attack on innocent villagers. The HTF, which is a militant group comprising cadres from non-Dimasa tribes, is opposed to the renaming of erstwhile North Cachar Hill district to Dima Hasao ( Dimasa Homeland) district as it is known now.

The outfit also opposed to the proposed formation of a Dima Hasao Territorial Council, as is being discussed by the government India with DHD miltant groups DHD (N) and DHD (Jewel Garlosa) --in truce.

Meanwhile, police have apprehended six persons from a nearby village called Kempai after receiving a tip off from villagers from Gaijen who identified some persons from Kempai villages who were showing the way to armed miscreants.

The uneasy peace in the troubled but picturesque hill district was in peril since Thursday in the wake of the killing of the leader of a faction of the militant Dima Halam Daogah near Haflong by suspected assailants of the HTF.

James Dimasa, leaders of the DHD (James) faction was shot dead from close range by assailants while he was coming out of his residence driving his SUV on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred the day government of India was holding dialogue with another DHD faction led by Dilip Nusina (DHD-N) in New Delhi to find a solution to the vexed insurgency problem in the hill district where guns have remained silent of late after mass surrender DHD (Jewel Garlosa) faction in October 2009.

James Dimasa was a senior leader of DHD (Jewel) but he abstained from surrendering along with other cadres of the outfit led by commander in chief Niranjan Hojai and floated DHD (James). Though James did not formally lay down weapons, he was in touch with Assam police and holding fire because of some sort of understanding. He was even provided PSO by the government for his protection.
His killings has once against brought to the fore the complicated and fraction-ridded insurgency problem in the hill district whose immense tourism potential and development process have suffered irreversibly because of continuing militancy.

K Anurag in Guwahati