Manipur Mail – Page 41

Recruitment rally at Leimakhong , more planned in three hill districts

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 27 : The Army recruitment rally conducted at Leimakhong from 15 to 26 May 2013 saw a record turnout of nearly 10000 youth participating fervently in the hope of finding employment in the ranks of the Army.
As many as 800 candidates have been short-listed for the subsequent rounds of recruitment this time. Dr Alexander Pao, MLA Karong and Mr L Dikho, MLA Mao visited the recruitment rally to motivate the youth they complimented the organizing staff for the methodical and peaceful conduct of the rally and stated that the people of Manipur are yearning for similar recruitment rallies being organised more often. They maintained that such drives would augment the opportunities of employment of their youth.
Maj Gen KK Sinha, SM, GOC 57 Mountain Division, pleased at the overwhelming response of the youth to the rally, has complimented the people of Manipur, civil administration, civil police, participants and units of 59 Mountain Brigade for the peaceful conduct of the rally. He also commended the Recruiting Staff for conducting the recruitment rally in a fair, professional and peaceful manner. He maintained that similar Army Recruitment Rallies will be extended to the youth of Manipur with a view to tap matchless human resources of Manipur.
Col A Tomar, Director of Army Recruitment Organisation, was very happy to see the overwhelming response of the youth of Manipur.
He extended his gratitude to people and administration for their generous support throughout the rally. The recruiting officer visited Mt Everest College at Senapati and Asuffi Christian Higher Secondary School at Mao and addressed the children to spread awareness regarding employment opportunities through the recruitment rallies. The incident free rally epitomizes the warmth and affection bestowed by people of Manipur for the army and the youth who participated in the recruitment. People of Leimakhong came forward to provide basic amenities to the children who came from all over Manipur irrespective of the tribal diversity. It was heartening to take notice of local vendors who kept their shops open even on Sunday to extend their support to the children coming from far flung areas of Manipur.
In an all out effort to ensure normalcy in the state, Assam Rifles has carved a niche in the society by generating employment for the youth of Manipur. It has been realised over the years that grass root or rudimentary cause of youth getting misled is lack of employment.
The task in remote under developed districts is a bigger challenge. Assam Rifles endeavours to direct the youth towards productive activities and in coordination with State and Central Govt in providing them employment opportunities through open recruitment rally.
A special recruitment rally is being organised by Assam Rifles on behalf of SSC for border districts of Manipur and Nagaland to fulfill vacancies for Constable (GD) in CAPF and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles. The recruitment rally is being organised in Ukhrul, Chandel and CC Pur districts of Manipur. A total of 244 vacancies for male candidates have been offered with 122 in general, 32 in OBC, 7 in SC and 83 in ST categories. .
The rally is being conducted for Hill Districts with only the candidates belonging to these districts being eligible for recruitment. Age limit for the candidates is 18-23 years as on 01 August 13 with relaxation for different categories.. Approximately 200 candidates are being trained presently under all the units of 10 Sector AR.
Fair selection and candidate friendly recruitment process that is totally merit based and honest, Assam Rifles has placed notices at prominent places cautioning candidates against paying money to anyone for recruitment as there is no place for touts or agents.

CM leaves for Myanmar to attend India Myanmar business conclave

IMPHAL, May 25 MNS NNN: A 41-member delegation of Manipur Government led by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today left Imphal for Myanmar to attend the North-East India-Myanmar
Business Conclave which is being held from May 26 to June 2 at Monya and Mandalay of the neighbouring country.
The meeting aims to boost the trade relationships between Myanmar and India with special emphasis on Northeast region.
Chief Secretary DS Poonia officially flagged off the team here in presence of many other state officials. Among others, Chief Minister Ibobi, his better half MLA O Landhoni, Commerce and Industries minister Govindas Konthoujam are part of the delegation.
Ibobi left Imphal for Myanmar by air while the rest of the team by road, official sources said.
Other north eastern states have also sent delegation to attend two-day ‘North East India-Myanmar Regional Business Conclave’ scheduled from May 28 and 29 at Monywa and Mandalay in Myanmar.

Opening the east gate and its implication

Our puya says open the Nongpok thong Manipur will gain. Nongpok thong is now open. Let us see what comes out. There is a lot to be expected from the Chief Minister O. Ibobi’s Myanmar visit. Manipur has reaped benefit from legalising Indo Myanmar border trade. More need to be done to make Manipur another Singapore of India. If tiny country Singapore can gain the status of one of the richest nations of the world for having a dockyard where ships are docked Manipur for neighbouring with the prosperous south East Asian nations also move towards the path of attaining self reliant with income that can be collected from various sources that include trade and commerce. In the past men and women visited Kashmir and Darjeeling for sightseeing. Now people from far off, South, west and North of the country have expressed their desire to have a glimpse of Manipur. Very recently a polo team from Kashmir visited Manipur to take part in the polo tournament. They insisted they be taken to the border town. What they did at Tamu was taking photograph of themselves in the same manner tourists taking photograph in front of Taj Mahal. They were delighted that they had landed on the foreign land. Every single domestic tourist will experience the same feeling when they visit Manipur and the border town. What is needed to be done is to take step to bring more tourists to Manipur. It is time we take step for including Manipur in the tourist map of the country. Setting aside tourism, which has immense potential Manipur can gain a lot from intensifying the trade with Myanmar side. When the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission was grilled by the scribes from Manipur for the lackadaisical attitude shown in the development of Manipur what he said was you are neighbouring with the prosperous south East Asian nations. He said how you can suffer. Since then change has been senn. Manipur is moving forward. We are moving ahead in the field of sports also. Let us see what comes out after Manipur Chief Minister O. Ibobi’s visit to Myanmar. Surely we feel something will come out of it.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/opening-the-east-gate-and-its-implication/

CDSU to support ATSUM stir

IMPHAL, May 25 NNN: The Churachandpur District Students Union (CDSU) has announced to endorse the upcoming All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) to be begun from June 3 in
protest against the ignoring of various demands put up by the students’ body to the state government of Manipur on tribal issues.
CDSU said todat that it takes strong exception over the recalcitrant attitude, time and again shown by the state government on the aspiration of the tribal people.
“We feel that the charter of demands which had been put forward by the ATSUM are genuine and need prompt attention and democratic hearing. However, much to the chagrin of the representations made by ATSUM, the disdainful posture and the clinical approach taken by the government is rather unfortunate and uncalled for from the so called democratic government,” the CDSU said. The Churachandpur students’ body then said that if much ruckus could be kicked up by the government over the unauthorised and unofficial pamphlets targetting a particular community written by miscreants, “why the rights and legitimate demands of the tribals of Manipur pending all these years is not addressed?”
“CDSU, as it stands today and as a constituent member of ATSUM, would without any iota of doubt stood by ATSUM’s ultimatum served to the state government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cdsu-to-support-atsum-stir/

Go green fortnight kicks off

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 25 : ‘GO GREEN FORTNIGHT’ being undertaken by Assam Rifles kicked off on 24 May 2013 with Maj Gen UK Gurung, AVSM, YSM, IGAR (S) planting the first sapling. The plantation drive is aimed at saving and regenerating the depleting flora in Manipur and reclaiming the natural beauty of yester years as also preserving the ecological balance. Planned over the entire area of responsibility of IGAR (S), from 24 May 2013 to 09 June 2013, it will cover areas around Mantripukhri, Pallel, Tengnoupal, Somsai, Chassad, Shangshak, Keithalmanbi, Thoubal, Kakching, Sajik Tampak and CCpur. A large number of trees of varied nature, ornamental, medicinal and fruit bearing ones will be planted during the said drive. Speaking on the occasion IGAR(S) said that it was a matter of great concern that the forest cover is depleting rapidly and regeneration of the same is still not as desirable. He added that the plantation drive was a big leap forward towards a greener and eco friendly Manipur. While highlighting the environmental benefits of trees, he also expressed concern regarding the adverse climate change in Manipur due to deforestation and exhorted all to preserve the bio diversity of Manipur. The endeavor will be on creating awareness amongst the local community.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/go-green-fortnight-kicks-off/

UNC team tours Tamenglong areas

IMPHAL, May 25 NNN : The third leg of the United Naga Council (UNC) ‘political tour’ n Naga areas was undertaken in Tamenglong district in association with the Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur and the frontal organisations of the region from May 23 to 25.
The political tour was carried out mainly with a view to interact with the people and to study the socio-economic conditions of the Nagas which is weakening by the day and to verify the tall claims made by the Government of Manipur on schemes/projects placed in the tripartite talk as development initiatives taken up by them in tribal areas, according to the UNC.
The United Naga Council said the touring team witnessed the intensive work for construction of tunnels for the trans Asian Railway line, deploying man and machine on scales never seen before and experienced at the same the deplorable road condition from Awangkhul to Tamenglong district headquarter, a distance of about only 65 kms which take more than 3 hours to cover on four wheelers. The plight of the people of the district whose main route of communication is a district road not worth the name continues to be ignored and isolates them further beyond distance, it added.
The tour programme concluded with a joint meeting with formers Presidents and Executives of the Zeliangrong Baudi and United Naga Council, Convenor of the Tamenglong
District, Convenor and colleagues of the Co-ordination Committee Tamenglong for Alternative Arrangement, Representative of the Zeliangrong Youth Front, Zeliangrong Students’ Union Manipur, Member of the Peace Committee, Women leaders, retired bureaucrats and a host of elders, intellectuals and public leaders, stated the UNC.
It stated that the contours of the tripartite talk process of the Government of Manipur, Government of India and the UNC on the demand for an alternative arrangement outside the Government of Manipur was highlighted in the joint meeting which also emphasised on the need to be organised and be in continued preparedness for taking forward the people’s movement to its logical conclusion.
According to the UNC, the president of United Naga Council also gave a call to end of factional violence and internal divisions and the need to join hands for building up the society in view of the impending settlement of the Indo-Naga issue and to effectively engage with the emerging challenges of the times. The entire tour programme was hosted by the Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/unc-team-tours-tamenglong-areas/

75 year old man killed in accident

IMPHAL, May 2 MNS NNN5: A 75-year-old man died and five others, including women and children were injured following a major road accident in Sagolband in Imphal this morning.
Pukhrabam Iboyaima of Sagolband Pukhrabam Leikai succumbed at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here after a brief treatment.
Reports said the road mishap took place around 11 am at Sagolband Tera Tongbram Leirak after a head-on-collision between a Maruti car and an autorickshaw. Five people including the victim were in the car. They were supposed to attend a mapam chakkouba, a ritual feast which is organised after five days of marriage.
Five persons, including the auto driver, two children and two women were also injured in the accident.
The patient party strongly protested against the doctors who were on duty blaming them for the death. A commotion also took place between the patient party and the doctors inside the hospital following the death of the old man, but the security guards there managed to control it. The deceased was the father-in-law of Lamshang constituency MLA Dr Brajabidhu who also visited the hospital and reviewed the situation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/75-year-old-man-killed-in-accident/

Kakching Festival

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 25 : As part of the ‘First Kakching Festival 2013’ being celebrated at Kakching an ‘Art and Painting’ competition was organised at MPC Hall, Kakching by 27 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters IGAR (South) and Headquarters 28 Sector Assam Rifles. A ‘Know Your Army’ camp was also conducted. Kakching Festival is being celebrated to promote unity, peace and progress in the area through a series of sports and cultural activities and addressing causes like saving environment, saving agricultural land, preservation of Leiraks and canal system.
In another endeavour of reaching out to the local populace, 27 Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters 28 Sector Assam Rifles and Headquarters IGAR (South) organised an interactive session with the Meira Paibis of Sugnu and adjoining areas, at Sugnu Post in Thoubal District on 23 May 2013.
The AR authorities enquired about their well being and also the prevailing state of affairs in the region. A total of 21 Meira Paibis were present during the interaction. Officers of 27 Assam Rifles exhorted the Meira Paibis to come ahead and take proactive steps for the development of the state and to ensure peace and prosperity in the region. They also stated that the society has always acknowledged the sacrifice and contribution of women in various spheres of life.

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

Rs 310 lakhs for Mary Kom Foundation

The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has given in-principle approval for a grant of Rs 309.56 Lacs to Mary Kom Regional Boxing Foundation, Imphal for construction of Gymnasium Hall and procurement of Gym equipments for the Foundation. The Foundation proposes to set up the facilities at the new site allotted by the State Government of Manipur. The grant will be released in installments after fulfillment of certain conditions as required under the NSDF scheme and completion of necessary formalities. Earlier NSDF had released an amount of Rs 492.00 Lacs to the Usha School of Athletics, Kozhikode, Kerala, for laying an 8 Lane Synthetic Track of international standard with supporting facilities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rs-310-lakhs-for-mary-kom-foundation/

UPPK inks Mou with government

IMPHAL, May 24 MNS NNN : The militant outfit United People’s Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) today signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involving the Central and Manipur Governments joining the peace process during a home coming ceremony in Imphal at 1st Battalion of Manipur Rifles.
During the ceremony, 80 ultras of the outfit led by its president Achoibam Bonbihari were present and they also deposited a large number of arms and ammunition. Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, severall ministers, the state Chief Secretary, the DGP, GOC, IG (Assam Rifles) and other senior officials attended the function.
UPKK joined the peace process under the leadership of its president Achoibam Bonbihari, general secretary Konthoujam Shanti, chief of army staff Mayengbam Maichon, home secretary Lemba, organizing secretary Lakpa, information and publicity secretary Laishram Brojen alias Khuman, deputy finance secretary Huidrom Angamba Meitei and others.
The first batch consisting of 51 ultras of UPPK was extricated from Myanmar through Tamu and Moreh on February 4, 2013 with the help of Assam Rifles and state police commandos. The second batch consisting of 27 ultras was extricated on March 19, 2013 through Nagaland border from the camp at Taka located in Myanmar.
Finally, one self-styled major of the outfit was later extricated in the third operation on April 17, 2013 from Heikol camp, also in Myanmar.
Throughout these operations the AR played a key role in terms of tactical support, manpower support and thereafter in hosting the group with them till date.
They brought 37 weapons including one SLR, 21 HK-33 rifles, four pistols, two lathod guns, one each of M-22 rifle,
AK-56 rifle, Type 81 rifle, A-4 rifle, A-1rifle, MG A-2, MG M-23, MG MK-3 and RPG. In addition to many hand grenades, the UPPK also deposited 5742 of 5.56 ammunition and 507 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
The tripartite MoU was signed by Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (NE) on behalf of the Home Ministry and DR J Suresh Babu, Principal Secretary (Home) on behalf of the state Government. On behalf of the UPPK, the MoU was signed by the outfit’s president Bonbihari, its home secretary Lemba and chief of army Maichon.
Manipur Government with financial assistance of the Ministry of Home Affairs is starting the construction of designated camp to host these ultras, Principal Secretary Suresh Babu said in a statement.
He said every effort will be made to ensure that these ultras who have come forward with a lot of faith in the Government are settled properly very soon.
As part of the rehabilitation package, they will be paid a lump sum of Rs 2.50 lakh which will be kept in fixed deposit for a period of two years, he added.
However, this fixed deposit will be allowed as ‘collateral guarantee’ for mobilizing loans for self-employment programmes, Babu added.
He added in addition every cadre will be paid Rs 4000 per month as stipend for meeting their expenditure for a period of two years while further informing that the Central Government has already released Rs 14 crores in the last week for meeting the expenditure for the groups which have joined peace process till date.
On February 13 this year, several factions of Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) and Kanglei Yaon Kanna Lup (MDF) joined the peace process during a home coming ceremony at the 1st Bn of MR. In all, 200 ultras along with 138 weapons were laid down during the function.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/uppk-inks-mou-with-government/

CM applauds European Manipuri Association

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 24 : The Chief Minister of Manipur, Okram Ibobi Singh extended warm greetings and best wishes to the European Manipur Association (EMA) which is underway once again to hold a 2 day annual convention cum social gathering of European Manipuri Diasporas and their friends, starting from 25th to 26th of May at Worchester, near Birmingham, UK.
The Chief Minister in his message said, “Despite the limitations and tininess of our State we are proud that the presence of Manipuri Diasporas are ever widening across the globe.
An Annual gathering for them is very significant as it gives them a chance to know each other, bring them together to share and exchange ideas and views , and above all to create an atmosphere of ‘Home Away from Home.”
On the invitation extended to his son, Surjakumar Okram, for the event, on a separate note to the Chairperson of EMA, the Chief Minister regretting his son’s unavailability to attend the event owing to prior commitment for a tour to Myanmar he further shared , “ I look forward that the said gathering will be an ideal forum for the Manipuri living , serving and studying abroad to get to know and help each other, and put their heads together to bring about a better Manipur Society in the years to come.”
Every year in summer EMA organises an annual convention cum social gathering providing a platform to Manipuri Diasporas and their friends to uphold our culture and tradition; and to provide an atmosphere of ‘home away from home’.
Annual event of EMA is a significant event for the organisation and its members apart from the social in nature gathering but also to discuss many key issues of EMA and its members with the back ground of Manipur as the origin of our members. This year, the event is being organised at: Highball Centre, Hanley Swan, Malvern, Worchester, Wr8 0dx, Near Birmingham.
The Executive committee welcomes all the Manipuri Diasporas in Europe and their friends to attend this event irrespective of their advance booking or not said Somorendro Khangembam, Gen Secy, EMA in a press hand out.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-applauds-european-manipuri-association/

Deka last man to summit Everest : NE Expedition

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 24 : Manish Deka from Assam, who is part of the 1st North East India Mt. Everest Expedition made his successful summit to the Mt. Everest on 24th May 2012 at 5.45AM (1ST). The total number of successful summiter from the expedition as of now stands at 11. After Tarun Saikia, Manish Deka is the second climber from Assam to summit the Mt. Everest successfully.
Puyam Mohon from Manipur made his summit of Mt. Everest on 19th May 2013. The expedition is being sponsored by North Eastern Council, Shillong and is being supported by Planning Department, Govt. of Manipur and being implemented by Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association, Manipur. O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, Manipur is the Chief Patron and aDS Poonia, Chief Secretary, Manipur is the Chef de-Mission.
This is the first time that 11 mountaineers from North East India have made their successful summit of Mt. Everest on a single expedition. The expedition was flagged off by President of India on 20th March 2013.
N. Bidyapati from Manipur and Wansuk Myrthong from Meghalaya became the first women Everest summiter from their respective states. N. Chingkheinganba from Manipur became the youngest Indian to scale the Mt. Everest; Anshu Jamsenpa created a history by being the only mother of 2 who scaled the Mt. Everest for the third time. David and Tarun Saikia became the first Everest summiter from Mizoram and Assam.
The Govt. of Assam had earlier announced a cash award of Rs. 20 Lakhs for Tarun Saikia and Govt. of Manipur had announced a cash incentive of Rs. 10 Lakhs each for summiters from Manipur and 1 lakhs for the Manipuri mountaineers who attempted. Further Govt. of Meghalaya had announced promotion of Ms. Wansuk in Meghalaya Police.
With today’s summit the 1st North East India Mt. Everest Expedition has come to an end. The team will be departing for Lukla and further to Kathmandu. They will be arriving at Delhi on 30th May 2013 led by their team leader Dr. L. Surjit, Leader of the expedition.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/deka-last-man-to-summit-everest-ne-expedition/

Nobody should interfere in working of CBI: Narayanasamy

New Delhi, May 24 (ANI): Minister of State in Prime Minister’s office (PMO), V. Narayanasamy, on Friday said that no one should interfere in the working of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and added that it should be given a free hand to investigate any matter.
“As far as the CBI autonomy as far as the investigation is concerned yesterday we had a meeting under the chairmanship of P Chidambaram, the Honourable Prime Minister constituted the group of ministers to look into the matter. We discussed several issues related to the autonomy to the CBI,” he told media here.
“The Supreme Court judgement has clearly mentioned that the overall superintendence and administrative control can remain with the government specially the department of personnel as well as the investigation part is concerned the CBI should be given the free hand to investigate the matter. Nobody should interfere in the investigation process of CBI,” Narayanasamy added.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had recently formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram to decide the plan of action to insulate the investigating agency from external influence.
Besides Chidambaram, the GoM has External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, newly-appointed Law Minister Kapil Sibal, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari and Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy as members.
The government’s move came after the Supreme Court had called the CBI “a caged parrot” that “speaks in its master”s voice after the investigating agency admitted in an affidavit that Ashwani Kumar, who quit as the Law Minister, and senior officials of the Prime Minister”s Office and the coal ministry had made certain changes in the report on the allocation of coal blocks.
The apex court, which reserved its harshest words for the CBI, calling it a “caged parrot with many masters”, stressed the need for the CBI to operate independently of the political establishment.
“You are not a constable or head constable. You are a premier investigating agency and must learn to work under pressure. It (probe) is not a collaborative exercise between the CBI and ministry officials … It is a sordid saga of many masters and one parrot,” it said. (ANI)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nobody-should-interfere-in-working-of-cbi-narayanasamy/

Physically challenged person molested

SHILLONG, May 24 NNN: A new case of crime against women from the West Garo Hills region in Danabollonggre of Meghalaya was revealed, according to a delayed report.
The incident took place on May 18, at about 2 pm when a physically handicapped girl was molested by a fish trader who had tried to offer her biscuits before trying to take advantage of the situation and of her being alone. The incident has shocked the whole neighbourhood as the girl is only 14 years old, while also being physically handicapped and suffering from severe epileptic fits.
Danabollonggre, a small hamlet of a 133 people in the Gambegre constituency is about 22 km from the district headquarters, Tura.
A case in this connection was only filed today by the parents of the girl who was molested. The molested girl related the incident stating she had asked the molester to run as she was not going to give in without a fight. The molester ran after he heard small children came towards the house.
In September 2012, the same trader had tried to rape another girl of a neighbouring village.
He had chased the girl who was in the field moving cattle when he found her completely alone. The girl ran towards her house, when the man turned back. The incident was reported by the girl to her elder sister, who kept mum thinking the girl may have been mistaken. However, after the second attempt on the physically handicapped girl, the first incident came to light.
The molester who was a regular visitor to the area trying to sell fish to the villagers was identified by the villagers, who however could not give complete details as the person had given a false name to the villagers. The villagers said the person identified himself as Sunil Ali and said he was from a village in the Rajabala constituency, both of which may be false. No arrests have been made as the trader is still absconding. Incidentally, both the girls who have been molested are minors.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/physically-challenged-person-molested/

Surrender policy not implemented properly: J.J. Singh

By Pradeep Kumar
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), May 24 (ANI): Outgoing Arunachal Pradesh Governor and former chief of army staff,
General (retired) J.J. Singh, has once again asked the Centre to find an early solution to end the Naga imbroglio.
Interacting with media before calling curtains on his five-and-half-year-long stint as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, General (retired) Singh said: peace is linked to prosperity, and reiterated his view that only an iron fist for insurgents and a velvet glove for civilians policy would ensure that peace prevails and attempts by any forces inimical to national security would be thwarted.
It was a reiteration of what General Singh has been advocating from the day he bcame governor, and particularly emphasised during his first official visit to Khonsa, the headquarters of the insurgency infested Tirap District, on February 1 and 2, 2008.
Pointing out that insurgency is going out of fashion, the former army chief opined that the surrender policy has not been implemented effectively, and admitted that the people of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts were caught in intermittent turf wars between both NSCN factions.
He said there was a need for the government to announce a viable surrender package to motivate NSCN cadres and Maoists to rejoin the national mainstream.
Singh said that he considered himself lucky to become a governor of a sensitive state like Arunachal Pradesh, especially during its historical phase of development.
It was a challenging assignment, particularly peace, stability and law and order. Maintaining security of the frontier state and law and order problem was my greatest challenge, and I?m happy that by and large, there was no problem with the neighbouring nations, he said.
He said the bandh culture was contained and divisive forces were not allowed to take deep root to blackmail, extort, kidnap innocent Arunachalees.
Commenting on the numerous development initiatives, the governor attributed the achievements to the seamless relations between the Raj Bhawan and the Chief Minister’s Office.
Responding to a specific question from ANI as to what motivated him to coin Team Arunachal adage, he attributed
his success in life, including as army chief to team work, but said that as Governor he found many sincere and hardworking people in Arunachal with individualistic approaches.
Team Arunachal bounded one and all right from young to old in one thread as a symbol unity in diversified Arunachal to spread the message We are together, he said.
Singh, who frequented every part of the land-locked state, made a special mention of his pet Poma bamboo project near the state capital where 50 to 60 families are earning their livelihood.
Singh has been replaced by Lt. Gen. (retired) Nirbhay Sharma, who is likely to take oath on May 28.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/surrender-policy-not-implemented-properly-j-j-singh/

Gramin Bhandaran Yojana

M.V.S. Prasad
Joint Director, PIB, Chennai
It is well known that the small farmers do not have the economic strength to retain the produce with themselves till the market prices are favourable. There has been a felt need in the country to provide the farming community with facilities for scientific storage so that wastage and produce deterioration are avoided and also to enable it to meet its credit requirement without being compelled to sell the produce at a time when the prices are low. A network of rural godowns will enable small farmers to enhance their holding capacity in order to sell their produce at remunerative prices and avoid distress sales. Accordingly, Gramin Bhandaran Yojana, a capital investment subsidy scheme for construction / renovation of rural godowns was introduced in 2001-2002.
The main objectives of the scheme include creation of scientific storage capacity with allied facilities in rural areas to meet the requirements of farmers for storing farm produce, processed farm produce and agricultural inputs; promotion of grading, standardization and quality control of agricultural produce to improve their marketability; prevention of distress sale immediately after harvest by providing the facility of pledge financing and marketing credit; strengthen agricultural marketing infrastructure in the country by paving the way for the introduction of a national system of warehouse receipts in respect of agricultural commodities stored in such godowns and to reverse the declining trend of investment in agriculture sector by encouraging private and cooperative sectors to invest in the creation of storage infrastructure in the country.
The project for construction of rural godowns can be taken up by individuals, farmers, groups of farmers/growers, firms, non-Government organizations (NGOs), Self Help Groups(SHGs), companies, corporations, co-operatives, federations and agricultural produce marketing committees in the country.
Location
Under the scheme, the entrepreneur will be free to construct godown at any place, as per his/her commercial judgment except that it should be outside the limits of Municipal Corporation area. Rural godowns constructed in the food parks promoted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries shall also be eligible under the scheme for assistance.
Size
Capacity of a godown shall be decided by an entrepreneur. However, Subsidy under the scheme shall be restricted to a capacity of minimum 100 tonnes and maximum 30,000 tonnes. Rural godowns of smaller size upto 50 tonnes capacity will also be eligible for subsidy under the scheme as a special case based on viability analysis. In hilly areas, rural godowns of smaller size upto 25 tonnes capacity will also be eligible for subsidy.
Conditions for Scientific Storage
Godowns built under the scheme shall be structurally sound on account of engineering considerations and functionally suitable to store the agricultural produce. The entrepreneur may obtain a licence to operate the godown, if required by the State Government concerned, under the State Warehousing Act or any other relevant laws.
(contd next col)
Gramin Bhandaran Yojana
The rural godowns of 1,000 tonnes capacity and more should get accreditation from Central Warehousing Cooperation (CWC).
Credit Linked Assistance
Subsidy under the scheme is linked to institutional credit and will be available to only such projects as are financed by commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks, state cooperative banks (SCBs), State Co-operative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (SCARDBs), Agricultural Development Finance Companies (ADFCs), North Eastern Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI), Urban Cooperative Banks etc. Loan to the entrepreneurs from banks for the construction of godowns would carry an adequate long-term repayment period.
Assistance under the scheme shall be available on capital cost of construction of godown including the cost of allied facilities like boundary wall, internal road, platform, internal drainage system, weighing, grading, packaging, quality certification, warehousing facilities which are functionally required to operate the godown.
Pledge Loan Facility
The farmers keeping their produce in the godown shall be eligible to avail pledge loan on hypothecation of their produce. The terms and conditions governing pledge loans, rate of interest, period of pledge, amount etc. will be as per the guidelines issued by RBI/NABARD and as per normal banking practices followed by the financial institutions.
Subsidy
Rate of subsidy shall be:-
(a) 33.33% of the capital cost of the project for SC/ST entrepreneurs and their cooperatives and in case of projects located in North – Eastern States, hilly areas subject to a maximum ceiling on subsidy of Rs.3.00 crores.
(b) 25% of the capital cost of the project to all categories of farmers, agriculture graduates and cooperatives subject to a maximum ceiling on subsidy of Rs.2.25 crores.
(c) 15% of the capital cost of the project to all other categories of individuals, companies & corporations etc., subject to a maximum ceiling on subsidy of Rs.1.35 crores.
(d) 25% of the capital cost of the project for renovation of godowns of cooperatives with assistance from NCDC.
Capital cost of the project for the purpose of subsidy under the scheme shall be calculated as follows:
a) For godowns up to 1000 tonnes capacity – project cost as appraised by financing bank or actual cost or Rs.3500/- per tonne of storage capacity, whichever is lower;
b) For godowns exceeding 1000 tonnes capacity – project cost as appraised by bank or actual cost or Rs.1500/- per tonne of storage capacity, whichever is lower.
Subsidy shall be released through NABARD for projects financed by commercial, cooperative banks and RRBs. It will be kept in the Subsidy Reserve Fund Account of the financing bank and shall be tax free.
(PIB Features.) With inputs from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gramin-bhandaran-yojana/

Mizoram CM attacked for visiting temple

AIZAWL, May 23 NNN : Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla’s reported participation in a Hindu temple sometimes ago is kicking up ruckus in Mizoram with the principal Opposition party Mizo National Front (MNF) organising a protest rally in the state capital Aizawl today.
However, it is not certain when the chief minister had entered a Hindu temple but there have been speculations that Lal Thanhawla and his wife had participated in a Hindu temple and the picture of that event was reportedly circulated by people in social media.
Today, the Mizo National Front (MNF) organized a protest rally christened as ‘Milem biak duhlohna kawngzawh’ or ‘Rally against Worshiping of Idols’ in Aizawl.
The rally began from Chanmari to Vanapa Hall.
Thousands of people in the state attended the protest rally.
MNF alleged that Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had attended at a Puja sacrificing himself according to Hinduism.
At the protest rally, MNF leader R.Tlanghmingthanga addressed the gathering at Chanmari, Dr.H.Lallungmuana at Zarkawt point, Lalthlengliana at Dawrpui and Zoramthanga the party president at Vanapa Hall.
Former Chief Minister Zoramthanga clarified that the MNF was not saying Lal Thanhawla had violated the Constitution of India. “But we organized this protest rally as he had violated the God’s commandments in the Bible,” Zoramthanga said.
According to Exodus chapter 20 in the Bible’s Old Testament, it is written as, “And God spoke all these words: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me’”, Zoramthanga pointed out. The MNF president then said Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had violated these two commandments fourth times with his wife breaking a coconut, smearing colour in their foreheads while believing in idolatry, said Zoramthanga.
“Being a preacher in the pulpit in the church, such kind of activity was not suited for the leader of the Christians in Mizoram, so the protest rally was organized,” the MNF leader added.
Meanwhile, the protest rally today passed a resolution saying Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla injured the heart of the Mizo people. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla has also denied the religion of the Mizos and the Mizo people, the MNF leader said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-cm-attacked-for-visiting-temple/

No justice yet in rape case

New Delhi, May 23: The legal maxim “Justice delayed is justice denied” has become true for the family of a five-year-old girl, who was horrendously raped and brutally murdered four years ago. Even four long years have passed without justice after the rape-murder incident; the accused has been acquitted by the Court in Delhi recently.
The 5-year-old was allegedly raped and brutally killed by Manoj Thapa at Mahipalpur in New Delhi on April 17, 2009. The accused,. Manoj Thapa (21) stayed in the adjacent building and was just another friendly neighbour of the victim’s family when he committed the crime. Later he was arrested.
The family of the victim came to Delhi from Mhainamtsi village of Peren district, Nagaland in the month of January, 2009 to get better employment opportunity as well as to educate their child in a good school. However, their dreams short lived when they lost their only child. The nightmare continues unstoppable till today. In pursuing the case, the North East Helpline met B.S Jaiswal, DCP South yesterday. “It was really unfortunate and very disappointing to learn that the Judge, Atul Ghar has acquitted the accused Manoj Thapa on the ground that there was no sufficient evidence to punish him,” said Dr. Alana Golmei, General Secretary of NE Helpline.
“The alleged murderer Manoj Thapa had several criminal records including a charge of raping a deaf and dumb girl at R.K. Puram in 2004 but it’s shocking to learn that the Court has acquitted him without even further investigation,” Dr. Alana added.
However, the DCP South B. S. Jaiswal yesterday told NE Helpline that the police is not convinced with the verdict of the Court and therefore the police have filed an appeal to the High Court and is awaiting for the next hearing.
North East Helpline strongly appeals to concerned authorities and law enforcement agencies to seriously look into the matter so that the family of the victim gets justice.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/no-justice-yet-in-rape-case/

TSA joins ATSUM

IMPHAL, May 23 NNN: Thadou Students Association-General Headquarters (TSA-GHQ) has formally become the unit of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM). Three of the TSA-GHQ ‘officials’ have also been inducted to the ATSUM fold today where an oath-taking ceremony was organised at ATSUM office.
L. Mung Khongsai has become the finance secretary of ATSUM, Paominlien Lhouvum is the new assistant general secretary and Nengkholal Haokip is the new assembly affairs secretary of ATSUM.
Meanwhile, Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) and Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) has decided to endorse the agitation of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) to be begun from June 3 on ‘tribal issues’.
TKS has said that the issues taken up by the ATSUM are genuine and the agitation ought to be supported by all the civil society organisations including from the valley districts while ZSUM stated that its volunteers will be fully prepared to take up the agitation in its jurisdiction. TKS then said the move of ATSUM is ‘timely’.
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong has said today that banned drugs seized by the police should be destroyed before the civil organisations. “For over a month now that the police in Ukhrul had seized the bannned drugs but the custody of the drugs is not revealed,” said the TKS.
The TKS then expressed its anguish over the Naga River Colony episode where several houses were dismantled by the state government for the construction of a 5-star hotel. The TKS terms it as inhuman and brute action of the state government saying, “Enough time was not given for the people to vacate their belongings.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tsa-joins-atsum/

Gangmumei Kamei appointed VP of ST Morcha

Imphal May 23: The BJP National President, Schedule Tribes Morcha, nominated Prof. Gangmumei Kamei (Former-Minister) who is also Chairman of the State Policy Working Group of the BJP, Manipur Pradesh as National Vice President of the Schedule Tribes Morcha, BJP. In this regards, BJP, Manipur Pradesh welcome and express happiness to the decision of the National leaders and hope his induction in the said post may help to improve the Schedule tribes’ communities in the North East States especially in the state of Manipur said BJP Manipur Pradesh general secretary AsniKumar.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gangmumei-kamei-appointed-vp-of-st-morcha/