Manipur Mail – Page 49

Sufficient oil in stock : Okendro

IMPHAL, April 26 NNN: Admitting that though oil stock has been reduced in Manipur due to the recent strike by tanker drivers and the total bandh being imposed along the National Highways, now there is sufficient fuel at IOC oil depot, Chingmeirong, state CAF & PD minister M Okendro said Friday.
Okendro was briefing media persons here after a joint meeting of representatives of driver union, Government and top CRPF officials at his office chamber in the New Secretariat.
The people had faced a hitch for a few days in the state since all the oil tanker drivers were on strike over the abduction of a tanker driver but presently there are petrol and diesel at the depot that will last for 10 days each, the minister said.
He informed that it has been decided in the joint meeting, also participated by concerned security agencies to take up security measures along the highways to give protection to all the oil and bullet tankers ferrying fuel from Assam’s Khatkhati to Imphal.
The Nagaland Government will also be requested to support the move considering the security situation, he said.
“In a situation like this, all the political parties and NGOs in the state must lend a hand and work together because it would not be correct to let the Government bear the brunt alone and that mere criticizing the Government cannot bring any solution,” he stressed.
Seeking support from transporters in the Government’s efforts, he also called upon all the people residing by the highways to extend support to the Government.
Okendro also said if the current situation persists, it would have serious impact on the people, especially to young students so all the concerned must come out and support the Government’s initiative by taking it as their own responsibility.
The minister further said that all the tanker drivers will resume work and fuel stations will also be reopened from tomorrow, Friday.
Besides Okendro, IG, CRPF, Nagaland and Manipur, SP Singh, DIG, CRPF, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, Ashok Kumar and representatives of All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers, Union attended the meeting held at 5 pm Friday.
The meeting also agreed to conduct routine CRPF ROP along National Highways connecting Nagaland on top of the ROP along the highways linking Manipur, Okendro added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sufficient-oil-in-stock-okendro/

MUCO to help Noney fire victims

IMPHAL, April 26 NNN : AMUCO said Friday it has decided to help the people whose shops had been completely destroyed in a major fire in Tamenglong district’s Noney/ Longmai town that took place in the middle of the night on April 8.
All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) will minister to all the victims of None Longmai town whose shops had been burned in a huge fire on April 8 midnight, AMUCO president KT Rahman told newsmen at the organisation’s office here.
Around 50 shops were blazed in the inferno.
He acknowledged the peaceful co-existence of the people of the hill and the valley since time immemorial and said AMUCO in collaboration with relief committee which is set up from time to time has been assisting to the victims of natural disasters and mishaps like fire in the state.
A relief committee on ‘Longmai bazaar, None fire victims National Highway-37’ with Rahman as its convenor has been formed by AMUCO.
Rahman said this committee will ask for donation from the people and rice, dal, oil, salt and cloths will be collected from generous individuals and these will be given to the Longmai bazaar fire victims.
Rahman further appealed to all to make kind contribution to the committee to enable it to help the fire victims.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/muco-to-help-noney-fire-victims/

Antyodaya Anna Yojana

M.V.S Prasad, Joint Director, PIB, Chennai.
In order to make TPDS more focused and targeted towards the poorest of the poor category of the population, the “Antyodaya Anna Yojana” (AAY) was launched in December 2000. AAY contemplates identification of poorest of the poor families from amongst the number of BPL families covered under TPDS within the states and providing them foodgrains at a highly subsidized rate of Rs.2 per kg for wheat and Rs.3 per kg for rice. The States/UTs are required to bear the distribution cost, including margin to dealers and retailers as well as the transportation cost. Thus the entire food subsidy is being passed on to the consumers under the scheme. The identification of the Antyodaya families and issuing of distinctive Ration Cards to these families is the responsibility of the concerned State Governments. Allocation of foodgrains under the scheme is being released to the States/UTs on the basis of issue of distinctive AAY Ration Cards to the identified Antyodaya families. The present monthly allocation of foodgrains under AAY is around 8.51 lakh tones per month as on 31.12.2012.
The scale of issue that was initially 25 kg per family per month has been increased to 35 kg per family per month with effect from 1st April 2002. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) was launched for one crore families to be identified from the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Coverage under this scheme has been expanded thrice since then i.e. during 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 covering additional 50 lakh households each time. Thus the total coverage under AAY was raised to 2.50 crores AAY families (i.e.38% of BPL)
Detailed guidelines were issued to the States/UTs for identification of the Antyodaya families under the AAY and additional Antyodaya families under the expanded AAY. In order to identify the households criteria adopted:- Landless agriculture labourers, marginal farmers, rural artisans/craftsmen, such as potters, tanners, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters, slum dwellers and persons earning their livelihood on daily basis in the informal sector like porters, coolies, rickshaw pullers, hand cart pullers, fruit and flower sellers, snake charmers, rag pickers, cobblers, destitute and other similar categories in both rural and urban areas.
Households headed by widows or terminally ill persons/disabled persons/persons aged 60 years or more with no assured means of subsistence or societal support. Widows or terminally ill persons or disabled persons or persons aged 60 years or more or single women or single men with no family or societal support or assured means of subsistence. All primitive tribal households. The above guidelines have further been amended vide letter dated 3rd June, 2009 to include all eligible BPL, families of HIV positive persons in the AAY list of on priority. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/antyodaya-anna-yojana/

Manipuri Jagoi Marup Golden Jubilee celebration

MNS: The yearlong Golden Jubilee celebration of the Manipuri Jagoi Marup concluded yesterday at the Golden Jubilee Stage at its complex at Lamboikhongnangkhong with the presentation of Shri Krishna Balya. Leela. L.Nandakumar MLA, Dr.K.Sobita Director, Art and Culture Department Government of Manipur graced the closing function as Chief Guest and President.
Floral tributes was offered to the potariat of the founder and other Gurus and former associates of the Marup. During the year long celebration the Marup organised various programmes inside and outside the state. It may be noted here that Manipuri Jagoi Marup is one of the oldest Manipuri performing group of the country founded by late Guru Amubi Padamashree awardee.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipuri-jagoi-marup-golden-jubilee-celebration/

Laws need to be framed to fight against economic blockade

Petrol scarcity has hit hard all and the queue that we had seen in the past is being seen again. Even before the opening of the oil depots vehicles have parked in front of the depots. This ugly phenomenon hated by all continues appear again and again. These are all our own creation. A strong and drastic action is called for to fight against the imposition of indefinite economic blockade on the national highway roads. Our is democracy one day or two day blockade can be launched, nobody will protest against such type of agitation. But addition of adjective like indefinite is unacceptable. Laws need to be framed to deal with the menace of indefinite blockade on the national highway. Whichever organisation be it hill based or valley based, which resort to indefinite blockade on the roads must be banned and the persons associated with such organisations must be booked for causing harassment to the people of the state. Law enforcing agencies hunt down a person or two when they attempt to suffocate a baby, but when a section of people attempt to cause suffocation to the entire masses by causing artificial scarcity of essential commodities, petroleum products included,they are not being chased. The demand might be genuine, no doubt about it. Who will not weep when their lovely children are not seen? The entire masses are with families affected by such incidents of child kidnapping or missing but economic blockade is not acceptable. Has any organisation, which so ever it may be how so ever powerful it may be, got any demand after calling economic blockade on the national highway? Rather it hijacks the main issue. The main issue had been sidelined as the masses remain concerning the scarcity that had hit human psyche. At home at the public the focus of talk is about scarcity of petrol and essential commodities and subsequent price rise. Kidnapping or missing, which should have been the focus of talk had been forgotten. Similarly the concerned authority, who has been at the receiving of the angry masses, might not be remembering the main issue as it attempts to come out of the pestering problems caused by petrol scarcity. The missing children may return. But the problems of petrol scarcity will continue to occur again and again. Because it happens in Manipur there are elements, who think they can play with the life of entire masses by imposing economic blockade. They have not learnt anything. Hence the call for giving punishment to all those who call indefinite blockade on the national high way as per their wishes without realising the dangerous consequences it leaves to the state.

Khongjom battle

The Khongjom battle day jointly organized by Majoy Chongthamia memorial committee and Khongjom battle memorial celebrations committee was held at Khongjom Tengol Lampak today.
The gathering paid floral tributes to the martyrs at Khongjom River.
Major Chongthamiya Memorial Committee and Khongjom Battle Memorial Celebration Committee, Manipur today jointly observed “Khongjom Battle Day 2013” at the Khongjom battlefield in Manipur’s Thoubal district.
Participating at the function, noted historian and former Principal of LMS Law College, Imphal, RK Jhalajit Singh maintained that the Khongjom Battle Day actually took place on “April 25, 1891.”
He said, “It is not correct to observe the day on April 23 by Government of Manipur.”Elaborating on the actual day and date of the Khonjom Battle, Jhalajit said Paona Brajabashi was killed during the battle fought against the British on April 23, 1891 and since then the day had been commemorated as “Paona Day” and later Manipur Government started to remember it as Khongjom Day.
A handful of people took the decision in their own interest to mark the day on April 23, he pointed out.
He appealed to the Government to revise the date and commemorate the day on April 25 from next year, saying no one can stand against historical facts.
Jhalajit later led the people who were participating in the observation in paying floral tributes to the martyrs in Khonjom River.
Ex-Chief Engineer, IFCD and now president of Major Chongthamiya, Prof Naorem Joykumar, English Department, Manipur University and Dr Chongtham Jamini were also present at the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/khongjom-battle/

Widows welcome visit of UN Special Rapporteur

IMPHAL, April 25 MNS NNN: Conflict Widow Forum (CWF) Thursday said it welcomes the scheduled visit of UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Rasida Manjoo to Manipur on April 28.
M Umarani, convenor, CWF, Bishnupur District told the media at Manipur Press Club here that the organization will submit a representation to the Manjoo on the problem being faced by women of the state during her trip here and said the UN Special Rapporteur is most welcome.
She further said now crime against women in Manipur has disturbingly increased and alleged that crimes as such these have shot up because Government of Manipur has never punished guilty persons committing crime against women as on date.
The CWF leader also said the women body will apprise Manjoo on the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 during the visit.
Manjoo will be on an official mission to India from April 22 to May 1. She has accepted an invitation sent to her on March 13 from the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights in Manipur and the UN (CSCHR) to visit Manipur and the North East region during her mission.Meanwhile Manipur Maoist has expanded its operative system by adding another special region in addition to the existing four regions.
A statement of the Maoist Communist Party Manipur signed by its publicity and propaganda secretary Comrade Nonglen Meitei said that the newly added Region 5 (special) would be led by Comrade N Nganba Meitei as the regional bureau-in-charge.
“This newly added special region will take responsibility for only in the party building process,” the statement added.The statement further said that the Maoist understood the changing face of the “Indian colonial system” from time to time and the Maoist has been operating with maximum flexibility to counter any move to demoralize the proletarian revolutionary movement.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/widows-welcome-visit-of-un-special-rapporteur/

Two sewerage workers die

IMPHAL, April 25 MNS NNN: Two labourers died after inhaling poisonous gas as they got down in an underground sewerage project pipeline here to clean it early morning Thursday in Imphal.
They descended into the underground pipe to clean it after opening the main hole of the Imphal sewerage project when they inhaled a toxic gas emanating from the pipe. The incident happened around 7 am.
The victims were identified as Elangbam Ranjit, 45, son of late E Birchandra and his nephew Elangbam Indra, 35, son of E Tomba, both residents of Wangjing Tentha Mayai Leikai in Thoubal district of Manipur.
Reports said men from Imphal Fire Service went down into the underground pipe after the duo failed to climb up for several hours and they found them dead inside it.A police case has been registered in connection with the incident.
Their bodies have also been handed over to their families after conducting autopsy at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/two-sewerage-workers-die/

Implement ILP system : Friends

Imphal Apr 25 UNA : Observing a rise to the crime committed by outsiders (Non-Manipuris) in Manipur, Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FRIENDS) Thursday reiterated its demand for re-introduction of inner line permit (ILP) system in the state.
Addressing to media at its office at Keishampat of Imphal, president of FRIENDS Jadumani Sapamcha in which a non-local staying in the state with fake documents was paraded expressed strong apprehension to the emerging trend.
“Crime committed by outsiders is on the rise in the state”, he said while parading the non-local who was caught by the volunteers of FRIENDS with fake currency note of Rs. 1000/- and fake driving license. The caught non-local identified himself as Gajendra Yadav (36) son of late Ram Saga Yadav of Samastipur, Simha district of Bihar.
He said he has been staying in the state for the last 10 years by doing all kinds of odd jobs since 1987.
Reiterating FRIENDS’s demand for re-introduction of the IPL system by extending Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1973 in the state of Manipur, Jadumani urged the state government to apprise the government of India regarding the matter.
The Manipur Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution during the second session of the Tenth Manipur Legislative Assembly in its sitting held on July last year to “extend and adopt the Bengal Frontier Regulation, 1873 with necessary changes in the point of details to the State of Manipur and to urge the Government of India to comply the same.”
Later, the Manipur government has put up with Union ministry of home affairs about the resolution passed by the state cabinet and the state legislative Assembly with a request to extend the provisions of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 to the state of Manipur.
However, excepting saying that they were pressing the Centre through proper channel no development was seen in this regard even after nine has passed since the passing the resolution, he alleged.
He further expressed disappointment over the non-translation of the resolution adopted by the state Assembly regarding the re-introduction of the ILP system in the state.
The president further alleged that illegal immigrants were entering in the state through three routes. He said they were entering to Manipur from Myanmar side through Moreh, from Mao side through Nagaland and Jiri side Assam.
Alleging that currently only one check post existed for checking illegal migrants into the state and this check post has been rendering its service by stopping all illegal migrants without proper documents.
However, at the other two routes, Myanmar side through Moreh and Mao side, no check post for checking the illegal entry of migrants was conducted.
Even though there was a check post at Jiri, under age minor continued to intrude into the state and these children were engaging labourer at Jiri town, he added.
He further alleged state transport department for issuing driving license to outsiders under fake name at the cost of Rs 2500 per head.
As most of the non-locals possessed driving license issued by the transport department office at Jiribam, it showed that they were allowed to free to enter into the state, the president observed demanding that this should be immediately checked.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/implement-ilp-system-friends/

Manipur Mail 2013-04-25 20:56:58

International models arrive
IMPHAL, April 25 NNN: International models will walk down the ramp in Imphal on Saturday.
Models from Brazil, Russia, Ukraine and elsewhere have arrived in Imphal today for the big show.
Goncalves Silva Patricia, a well-known Brazilian model, is among the group.
Models from Russia include Cheporukha Anastasia, Gorlova Daria, Karina Khan, Mashina Elizaveta, Ivanova Ekaterina. Ukrainian models are Rublova Anastasiia, Shurkina Tetiana, Makeich Anahelina, Paladi Vera from Maldova and Goncalves Silva Patricia from Brazil have arrived here in Imphal today.
The event has been organised by Blue Wings and supported by the Manipur tourism department, Manipur Development Society, Manipur Skill Development Society and Manipur AIDS Control Society.
According to Kh Nishikanta, the event director said the objective of the programme has been to bring peace and harmony in the trouble torn Manipur by bringing out the traditional attires of all the ethnic communities of the state. These international models will wear the traditional attires in the show.
The fashion show will be held at Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre (BOAT), Imphal.

International models at Khwairamband Keithel to popularise fashion show event

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/16866/

NPO opposes blockade

SENAPATI, April 25 NNN: Considered a big blow to the ongoing ‘total bandh’ imposed by All Zeliangrong Students Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) demanding the release of school girl Alice Kamei, the apex Naga organisation of Senapati district has raised strong objection of the bandh being imposed in Senapati district.
Almost the entire National Highway 2 ( previously NH-39) in Manipur falls in Senapati district.
On Thursday, the Naga Peoples’ Organisation (NPO) said the on-going ‘Total Bandh’ in Senapati district called by AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM has disrespected the decision and public notification of the NPO.
According to the NPO, the public notification stated that in pursuance of the resolution number 7 of the ‘general body meeting’ of the NPO held on June 28, 2011, any organization or sub-ordinate bodies will not be allowed to organize any form of agitation without the consent of the apex body (NPO). “Therefore, it is for public consumption that the said bandh is irrelevant in Senapati district and no such bandh is accepted in the district,” the NPO asserted today.
However, NPO said it has also raised its voice against the ‘kidnapping’ of Alice Kamei allegedly by RPF/PLA group. The NPO demanded for the immediate intervention of the state government for the safe release of the ‘young innocent student girl’.
“The prolong silence of the government over the matter is concerning and that, the NPO will be forced to fully endorse and join the said ongoing agitation physically for the release of Alice Kamei and her friend,” the NPO stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/npo-opposes-blockade/

Better Air Connectivity for NE Region

Mail News Service
New Delhi, April 25 : Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri K. C. Venugopal informed Rajya Sabha today that in order to connect the remote hill areas of the North Eastern Region the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is developing non-operational airports at Daparizo in Arunachal Pradesh, Tura in Meghalaya and Kamalpur in Tripura for operation of ATR42/ATR72 type of aircrafts. The AAI is also developing civil enclaves at Along, Passighat and Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh and Rupsi in Assam. However, the proposals are subject to the land acquisition by the State Government for these projects. In addition to this, construction of Greenfield airport in Pakyong and operationalisation of Tezu airport in Arunachal Pradesh has also been taken up, which can handle ATR-72 type of aircrafts. Once these airports are developed, they can be used for STOL aircrafts also, subject to commercial viability and demand.
The AAI had undertaken a study through Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) for improving the air connectivity in north east which includes air connectivity among state capitals and other important remote locations in the north-east region.
The Minister also informed Rajya Sabha that Air India is operating three flights/week on Aizwal-Imphal route through Airbus A 319 and eight flights on Aizwal-Kolkata route through Airbus A-319. Operations in domestic sector have been deregulated and flights are being operated by airlines concerned on the basis of commercial viability subject to adherence of Route Dispersal Guidelines laid down by the Government with a view to achieve better regulation of air transport services taking into account the need for air transport services of different regions of the country. According to these guidelines, all scheduled operators are required to deploy in the North Eastern region, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep (Category-II routes) at least 10% of their deployed capacity on trunk routes (Category-I routes). Further, at least 10% of the capacity thus required to be deployed on Category-II routes, is required to be deployed for connectivity exclusively within these regions (Category -II A).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/better-air-connectivity-for-ne-region/

Army Chief briefs Antony on Chinese incursion in Ladakh

New Delhi, Apr. 25 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh, today briefed Defence Minister A.K. Antony on the Chinese incursion in Ladakh and the situation along the border.
General Singh returned from Jammu and Kashmir last evening after reviewing the situation there with Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik General Singh, who met top commanders of the Army during his visit, is said to have discussed various issues related to the Armed Forces with formation commanders and interacted with troops deployed on the Line of Control and counter insurgency duties.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said that a mechanism was in place, which would help to resolve the ongoing dispute.
“There is variance of perception between us and them and there is no demarcation of the actual line of control. Dialogue is going on at different levels. Mechanisms are in place and peace and tranquility is to be maintained at the border. There is a mechanism and that mechanism kicks in when some incident of this nature is alleged to have happened or actually happens. That mechanism is now working,” said Khurshid.
“Let us allow that mechanism to find the solution, which repeatedly it has found and we have good reason to believe that it should be able to do it again,” he added.
Khurshid is expected to visit Beijing on May 9 amid growing tension between India and China over incursions in Ladakh.
“I am going and I believe group of press people representing you are also going,” he said, when asked to comment on his visit to China.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony yesterday said the government will take every step to protect national integrity of the country to resolve the situation arising out of the incursion by Chinese troops in Ladakh.
“Our government will take every step to protect the national integrity of the country. At the same time, negotiations are going on at various levels to resolve the issue peacefully,” he said.
Apparently taking a tough stance on the reported presence of Chinese troops ten kilometers inside Indian territory in the Ladakh region, India had earlier on Tuesday asked China to maintain the status-quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Referring to the incident, reported widely in the Indian media, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said during his regular briefing said that ‘New Delhi sees this as a face-to-face situation between border personnel of the two sides due to differences in their perception of the alignment of the Line of Actual Control’.
“We have therefore asked the Chinese side to maintain status-quo in this sector and by status-quo I mean status-quo prior to this incident. The term face-to-face situation is not something that we have conjured up ; it is something that is referred to under 205 protocol for the implementation of CBMs in the military field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas,” he added.
A Platoon-strength contingent of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered the Indian territory in Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector in eastern Ladakh and erected a tented post, setting the stage for a face-off with Indian troops.
Daulat Beg Oldi, which is located in northernmost Ladakh, is a historic camp site. It is located on an ancient trade route connecting Ladakh to Yarkand in Xinjiang, China.

Aside: A Scheme for Creating Industrial Infrastructure

Amit Guin
Karnataka ranks top in the field of flower farming in India with over 18,000 hectares of land under cultivation. The state accounts for 75 per cent share in India’s total flower production and has the highest area under modern cut flowers. In the past, the cut flowers were transacted through the process of auction. As a result, the number of transactions per day was meagre. Therefore the need of a modern auctioning system to facilitate flower exports was deeply felt.
The International Flower Auction Yard in Bangalore, which is a joint venture between Karnataka Agro Industries Corporation and the flower growers of the state, was helped by the Department of Commerce with a financial assistance aid to maximise the transactions. The aid also paved the way towards the creation of a hygienic platform for both sellers and buyers so that the farmers get the maximum price in export of flowers. The financial assistance of Rupees Three Crore, which proved to a game changer for the flower growers of the state, was provided under the Assistance to States for Infrastructure Development and Exports Scheme (ASIDE) of the Department of Commerce of the Government of India. The monetary help facilitated in the completion of the project of replacement of the traditional auctioning system.
Now, with the support under the ASIDE Scheme, the modern electronic auction clock system helps the bidders in reducing time loss and maintaining transparency. Along with this, with the implementation of the new system, the local flower growers were able to facilitate 800-1000 transactions per day as against 400-500 transactions in the past when the manual system was in action. The new system was an evidence of the quick auctioning system, with very large number of small lots being auctioned through quick price discovery.
The ASIDE Scheme has, apart to the Karnataka flower growers, proved to be very efficacious and beneficiary for exports country-wide. Launched in 2002, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) is aimed at involving States / Union Territories in export effort by providing assistance to them for creating appropriate infrastructure for development and growth of exports. The scheme provides for an outlay for development of export infrastructure to be distributed to the States / UTs according to a pre-defined criterion.
Such activities which have overwhelming export content were funded through the Scheme, with the sole motto of the development of infrastructure for exports. The Scheme is exclusively used for building up infrastructure which does not get reflected either in the State / UT plan or in the plans of the Central Ministries or its organisation(s), yet such infrastructure is critical for growth of exports.
Till now, an amount of about Rs.5700 Crores has been released under the Central and State components of ASIDE Scheme for creation of the necessary infrastructure in States / UTs to boost exports. The Scheme has given shape to some of the most important infrastructure facilities in various States/UTs.
One such infrastructural development is the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati, Assam. With the growth in business and trade volumes in the North East region, along with the necessity for global competitiveness, the need for a Trade Centre to facilitate organisation of trade fairs and exhibitions and invite wider participation was being felt in the North East region. To address this issue, the Assam Trade Promotion Organization, a Special Purpose Vehicle under the Government of Assam made a proposal for assistance of Rs.28.38 Crore under the ASIDE Scheme for the construction of Maniram Dewan Trade Centre. The Centre started its operations in March 2009. It has three air conditioned exhibition halls and conference rooms, meeting rooms, amphitheatre, with all modern incidental facilities.
With the construction of the Trade Centre, the impact on export can be assessed from the increase in occupancy rate from 8.20 per cent in 2009 to 53.44 per cent in 2011. The Centre attracted visitors/delegates from various South East Asian countries. The Centre is serving as a platform for entrepreneurs of the region to display their products in national and international trade fairs.
Take for instance the additional infrastructure facilities built at the Calicut Air Cargo Complex under the ASIDE Scheme. Earlier, the export operations in Calicut Airport were transacted from within the airport itself. The lack of export processing area and space requirement for offices for customs, airlines, plant quarantine and exporters among others, was causing delays in transport of export goods which resulted in loss in quality and competitiveness of goods. To overcome the problems faced by exporters, the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd.

(KSIE) submitted a project report for constructions of “IInd Phase Construction of Additional Infrastructural Facilities at Calicut Air Cargo Complex, Karipur” at the total cost of Rs.3.10 crore, with financial assistance of Rs.15.5. crore under the ASIDE Scheme.
The project involved construction of buildings, electrification & air-conditioning, fire detection, fire fighting equipments & security system, machinery & equipment, computerisation and communication systems. With the completion of the project, the dwelling time of the cargo was reduced by its speedy clearance by new X-ray machine. Apart from it, the creation of additional space and other infrastructural facilities also helped the exporters to protect their commodities from direct sunlight and rain. It is to be noted that when the project was partially commissioned during 2008-09, the quantity of exports increased by 50 per cent. But presently the export volume is 225 per cent more than what it was in 2007- 08. It has given big boost to the agricultural exports from Malabar region through the Calicut airport.
The Institute of Auto parts & Hand Tools Technology in Ludhiana lacked the R&D facilities for quality improvement of products of Small and Medium Enterprises of the place to match export standards elsewhere. The Department of Commerce helped in strengthening the Institute for installation of facilities for reverse engineering, non-destructive testing and advanced heat treatment processing with 100 per cent finance of the project cost of Rs.5.18 crore under the ASIDE Scheme. With the financial assistance, the exports in this sector have gone up from Rs. 6000 crore in 2005-06 to Rs.9500 crore in 2008-09, with the share of Punjab being 30-35 per cent. It has also eased component sourcing & import substitutability and ensured availability of advanced technical infrastructure to manufacturers and exporters locally. It has also resulted in precision manufacturing of product development for global markets. Besides all these, the project has been successful in creation of skilled manpower base for various industries and employment generation through training programs & skills upgradation.
The financial aid under the ASIDE Scheme hence proved to be a major booster dose for the exporters in building infrastructural facilities. (PIB Features.)

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/aside-a-scheme-for-creating-industrial-infrastructure/

Relevance of Khongjom day celebration

The significance of the observation of Khongjom day in a grandeur manner is its ability to instil in the minds of all the sacrifices made by our forefathers in the protection of the territory of our land. They fought against the British might valiantly and fearlessly laying down their own life to uphold the prestige of the land. We are now living in a land of our own. If our forefathers did not feel the need for fighting against the invaders would we have what we are having now? The answer will be in negative. Though Manipur lost in the Khongjom war it reminds Manipuris are ferocious when they are challenged. Unrelenting and ceaseless, they continue to fight till they get the goal of their choice. But the time has come for all to ponder where and how our energy is being utilised. Social ailments like corruption which have eaten into the vitals of the society have permeated everywhere, but none comes out to fight against the menace of this disease. Corruption has threatened to tear apart social fabric. The possibility of brilliant student yet poor becoming a Government servant is remote in Manipur. Those who can gamble by selling homestead land and paddy fields may be able to lead a blissful life, there is no doubt about it. Many young men had taken up arms to bring a change to the society and also to liberate Manipur. Nevertheless the attack carried out at Kwatha by armed elements leaves a big question mark. What message the attackers wanted to give by ambushing unarmed civilian officials. Something is wrong somewhere. Human life is not a plaything. One must show restraint in the face of provocation. Manipur will set on the path laid down by forefathers when we as people learn to respect each other. Let us learn to despise those who become rich and famous by indulging in heinous activities. Let us learn to show respect to those, who make sacrifices for the cause of other people. Until that happens we will continue to see social unrest caused by the ever widening gap between the haves and have nots. As we observe Khongjom day we must take a pledge not to indulge in any form of activities that will be detrimental to the well being of the society. It is really sad even the drivers, who toil hard to earn a living are gunned down. Disgusting stories of young girls being kidnapped and killed continue to ring in our ears. All out efforts must be made to check such type of incidents. The cooperation of all is required. When these men and women related crimes are stopped our forefathers will rest in peace. The men in power must attempt to achieve this goal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/relevance-of-khongjom-day-celebration/

ATSUM agrees to construction of godown

NNN: The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has at last agreed for the construction of an FCI godown at Molnoi village. Earlier, Kuki Chiefs Association, Chandel district, Thadou Students’ Association, Chandel dictrict (TSA-Cdl dist) and others have strongly opposed the move of the ATSUM. ATSUM had voiced against the move of the state government to construct the FCI godown at Molnoi village on the ground that the village’s land record is that of Thoubal district.
Today, ATSUM and Thadou Students Association, Chandel district (TSA-Chdl dist) in a meeting at the former’s office in Imphal have welcome the initiative of the government to construct the FCI godown for Chandel district at Molnoi village. However, ATSUM and TSA said they will push for the transfering the land record of Molnoi village to Chandel district at the earliest in collaboration with the ‘like-minded’ organisations. TSA-Chandel district then said it will support the move of ATSUM in championing the cause of the tribal people and exptend its support by participating in the affairs of the ‘apex tribal students’ body of Manipur’. Both the ATSUM and TSA said all the misgivings and misunderstandings on the FCI godown issue have been amicably ironed out in today’s meeting between the two parties.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-agrees-to-construction-of-godown/

Sanajaoba’s book on self determination reproduced

MNS: On Khongjom Day, 23 April 2013, Late Prof. Sanajaoba’s article Right to Self Determination of Manipur along with a critical foreword was reproduced by New Delhi based Campaign for Peace & Democracy (Manipur). The booklet was reproduced with the financial support from Somorendro Khangembam and Laishram Tiken Khuman. Book release programs were held at four places outside Manipur; (a) the program at Chandigarh organized under the aegis of Ng Robert was attended by Punjab University students and representatives of the Students for Society, (b) the program at Mumbai organized by Rakesh was attended by non-Manipuris as well, (c) in Shillong the program organized by Ojha Jugindro and team was held at the courtyard of the then Rajbari or Redland Bungalow, and (d) the program at the University of Delhi was hosted by the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi.
The programs upheld that there was utmost need of the entire people to had discussions on the question of the right to self determination of Manipur. The Delhi meeting raised that despite factual errors, methodological confusion and legal determinism that were inherent in the article; if the issues raised by it would be debated in wider scale on the basis of ideology there could be constructive conclusions to various questions pertaining in Manipur. The Chandigarh and Shillong program stressed that the principle of freedom / self-determination ought to be respected. The objective of CPDM in reproducing the booklet is to illustrate that freedom or self determination is not a tabooed word but to be discussed as an open discourse. CPDM upheld that there cannot be peace & democracy in a country where the question of freedom or self-determination are not allowed to be openly raised and discussed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sanajaobas-book-on-self-determination-reproduced/

Army Chief visits J&K, discusses border situation

Jammu, Apr. 24 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh, concluded his two-day visit of Jammu and Kashmir today.
General Singh’s visit to the state came even as the Indian Army has reportedly moved an infantry regiment specializing in mountain warfare to Ladakh’s Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector.
General Singh reviewed the security scenario in the state, especially Ladakh where Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China has intruded about 10 kilometers inside the Indian territory at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector.
The Army Chief also met Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his visit.
General Singh, who met top commanders of the Army, is said to have discussed various issues related to the Armed Forces with formation commanders and interacted with troops deployed on the line of control and Counter Insurgency duties.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid today said that both India and China are yet to demarcate their borders, hence these incidents keep happening frequently.
“Perceptions do vary from their side and our side as to what is the actual line of control, so when the perceptions vary, sometimes disagreements on the ground can take place and we have a system in place, which kicks in immediately over the issue and then that system tries to provide a solution. That’s what we are doing right now, that process is going on and I hope that we will find a solution,” he said.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony today said the government will take every step to protect the national integrity of the country to resolve the situation arising out of the incursion by Chinese troops in Ladakh.
“Our government will take every step to protect the national integrity of the country. At the same time, negotiations are going on at various levels to resolve the issue peacefully,” he said.
Apparently taking a tough stance on the reported presence of Chinese troops ten kilometers inside Indian territory in the Ladakh region, India yesterday asked China to maintain status-quo on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Referring to the incident that is being reported widely in the Indian media, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said during his regular briefing today said that ‘New Delhi sees this as a face-to-face situation between border personnel of the two sides due to differences on their alignment of the Line of Actual Control’.
“We have therefore asked the Chinese side to maintain status-quo in this sector and by status-quo I mean status-quo prior to this incident. The term face-to-face situation is not something that we have conjured up, it is something that is referred to under 205 protocol for the implementation of CBMs in the military field along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China border areas,” he added.
Akbaruddin said the ongoing incident in the Depsang area of the western sector of the India-China boundary is a localized event.
“This is a sector in which there are differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control. That’s why we have since 1996 been maintaining that there is a need for the sides to work together in clarifying and confirming the Line of Actual Control,” he added.
Akbaruddin said Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gautam Bambawale, who chairs the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs spoke to his counterpart, who is the Director General Border Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about the incident on April 16.
“Subsequently, on 18th morning there was a flag meeting. Following that on 18th evening, the Foreign Secretary expressed the concerns of the Government of India to Ambassador of China in Delhi,” he added.
According to reports, a Platoon-strength contingent of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) entered the Indian territory in Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) sector in eastern Ladakh and erected a tented post, setting the stage for a face-off with Indian troops.
Daulat Beg Oldi, which is located in northernmost Ladakh, is a historic camp site. It is located on an ancient trade route connecting Ladakh to Yarkand in Xinjiang, China.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/army-chief-visits-jk-discusses-border-situation/

Seminar on NER biodiversity

SHILLONG, April 24 NNN : As a part of national environment awareness, a seminar on ‘NER Biodiversity and its Conservation’ was organized by the Department of Zoology, Botany and Environment of St Peter’s College at its college premises, here on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Meghalaya Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, TTC Marak, placed his hopes on youth and students that they will play their active roles in conservation of environment especially biodiversity by acting locally and thinking globally.
Quoting a famous saying, “Forest presides civilization and deserts succeeds them”, Marak said that India is very rich in culture the only thing which is the need of the hour is development in a greener way.
“As youths one should enhance the quality of life. There is need of active need for the youths to get involved in maintain the bio-diversity of the nature,” Marak said adding, “Youth should make their involvement with police makers to bring a change and to achieve positive leadership.”
He also said that government has a vision to improve the standard of living environment is ready to extend its support.
Former Director Zoological Survey of India, Dr JRB Alfred while giving his keynote addressed expressed that there is a drastic need to create awareness among the people to save the environment.
“No one alone can bring a change. There is a need to create NGOs and go to the core of the issues,” Alfred said adding “Environment is our sovereign property and its environment which controls the lives of the people.”
He also highlighted the current scenario of biodiversity and how its conservation at local, regional and international level could be made possible to the college students.
Later, Principal of the College and also the Secretary of MEWS-India, Peter Therose said that Meghalaya is blessed with natural resources. “There is immense bio-diversity. The youths of the state should know how to conserve the bio-diversity,” Therose said. He also added that the other problem which the region suffers is from counter insurgency which is a major hurdle for the people.
The seminar was attended by the students and teachers of the college.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/seminar-on-ner-biodiversity/

Inland water transport in Mizoram soon

AIZAWL, April 24 NNN : Mizoram will soon have improved inland waterway transport.
In the follow up action in connection with the project proposal already submitted for inland water transport development along Tuichawng and Khawthlang rivers in Mizoram which are estimated to cost Rs. 26.97 crores, Mizoram Transport minister P.C. Zoram Sangliana met Union Shipping Minister G.K. Vasan at the latter’s office chamber, Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, and discussed the matter with him on Tuesday.
It was agreed that the follow-up discussion shall be held immediately at IWT centre in Noida, and then another discussion over technical matters shall be held by Project Engineers on May 15 in New Delhi, after which, when all necessary matters are cleared, the required fund for the project shall be sanctioned.
The Mizoram Transport minister also met Union Culture minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch at her office chamber, Shastri Bhawan, with whom he discussed about the project proposal for setting up of Heritage Village, Aizawl district at the cost estimation of Rs. 25 crores and construction of major Inns at Kawtchhuahropui and Vangchhia villages in Champhai district.
In can be noted here that in December last year while attending the 57th National Development Council Meeting at Vighyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla had mentioned about the availability of 34% of the country’s surface water in North East region.
It is worthwhile to recall that in July last year, a resolution for quicker development of Inland Water Way for strengthening transportation system in Mizoram was unanimously passed in the 8th Mizoram Legislative Assembly session.
Inland water transport history in Mizoram began with the arrival of Rev.Williams Williams in Aizawl on March 15, 1891. He had made the journey by boat through Tlawng River and landed in Mizoram to preach the Gospel. Despite creation of landmark navigation history through the river in 1891 there is no meaningful development of the river water way within the last 120 years.
There is a good scope for the development of inland water ways in Mizoram. Before partition of India in 1947 there was an excellent waterway between Chittagong in Bangladesh and Demagiri in Mizoram through the Karnafuli river. With coming up of Kaptai dam on the Karnafuli in Bangladesh, a huge area around Demagiri has been submerged. This has created a good potential of inland water transport in the area. Another water way in the south was the Kolodyne.
In the north of Mizoram, the most frequently used water way was the Tlawng by which the British used to move men and material from Silchar to Sairang, gateway to Aizawl. It was a journey of about seven days inward and three days outward.
Mizoram is one among the 5 best performing states in the country in terms of water transportation.
Mizoram Transport minister PC Zoram Sangliana had said last month, “The team from Inland Water Transport Ministry of the Central government, who came on inspection visit to the state, had expressed their satisfaction over the functioning of water transportation system in Mizoram, so much so that, they had placed Mizoram among the 5 best performing states in India.”
Further, having found suitable to develop a water route between Bairabi and Sairang along Tlawng River, the Central government also plans to prepare a water-way between Tuichawng and Khawthlang rivers by clearing off all the hindrances so as to enable transportation by boat, the Transport minister had added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/inland-water-transport-in-mizoram-soon/