Tag: National

Aizawl, Sept 24 NNN : Mizoram corruption watch-dog People’s Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram (PRISM) has decided to hold a discussion platform called ‘14 Mizoram Watch’ in the last week of October in order to study the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC)’s Election manifesto of 2008 assembly elections and to have critical evaluation of how far the Congress government in Mizoram has implemented its manifesto. Simultaneously, the PRISM also resolved to conduct a programme for the comprehensive study of different political party manifestoes by comparing and contrasting the same in view of 2013 assembly elections.
Like in the previous 2008 assembly elections, the PRISM in its executive meeting today declared that as soon as the date and time of 2013 state assembly elections is declared, it will have temporal halt on its ‘Anti Corruption’ campaign but will start an exclusive study of the background of different candidates in different respects and exposed the same before the public. In case of any faulty or wrong information in the nomination paper (self declared affidavit) filed for the assembly election, PRISIM decided to take stern measure against the illicit candidate to bring right judgment over the case.
PRISIM further requested any interested person to report himself/herself to PRISIM office if he/she wishes to talk about the status of implementation of election manifesto by the present government.
Earlier on September 1, PRISM had issued ‘Peoples’ Manifesto’ to eight different political parties in Mizoram for the upcoming Mizoram assembly elections due in either October end or November.
The manifesto contains 20 chapters in which there are 87 duties and obligations where any political party that comes to power after the poll must implement them. Of the 87 duties, 43 are to be done within a specific time, while the other 44 duties do not have a time limit.
As stated in the manifesto, the Chief Minister ( whoever he may be) should not hold the office of any department designed for developmental works. One point of the manifesto said salaries of ministers or MLAs should be reduced. Besides, plans will be prepared for land utilization and administrative reform and land reform that should be undertaken. “It is expected to check corruption thereby bringing transparency and accountability in the administration,” the manifesto stated.
If the manifesto is implemented by the government, families none of whose members are employed in government departments will also be benefitted.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-body-to-discuss-manifesto-of-2008/

New Delhi, Sept. 24 (ANI): Congress Party leader Jagdambika Pal on Tuesday said his party faces no threat if the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) joins the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA, and added that the alliance would prove the theory that Chandrababu Naidu’s party bases its politics on opportunism rather than on principle.
“Chandrababu Naidu is getting ready to join hands with the BJP. Till now, he was also talking about the Third Front, and meeting Sharad Yadav. Thus, it is clear that he is not planning his future based on principles, but instead based on opportunism—depending on where he will gain the most,” Pal said.
“Their alliance will not make any difference to the Congress Party. Even in 2004, when the TDP was part of the NDA, we won the elections and have been in power ever since. This is the same old story, and will play out the same way,” he added.
Pal also demanded answers from the BJP, if the alliance was to go forward, as their party position has maintained its support for the creation of Telangana—which is in direct opposition to the TDP’s demand.
“The Bharatiya Janata Party will have to answer on what basis the TDP will be, once again, part of the NDA. The TDP is against Telangana, while the BJP is for it, which puts them in complete opposition of viewpoints. So, will the Bharatiya Janata Party change its stand once Naidu comes in?” Pal said.
After the TDP walked out of the National Integration Council (NIC) meeting on the Telangana issue, party chief Chandrababu Naidu on Monday criticized the apathy of the Centre towards the agitation of the ‘burning’ state of Andhra Pradesh.
“One state is burning, virtually, because of your political gain you have done so many things in that state. More than two years Telangana, now Seemandhra, so far no action has been taken, you are not calling anybody, you (Central government) are not discussing it with anybody,” Naidu said.
Earlier, the TDP chief had met with President Pranab Mukherjee and political leaders in the national capital to seek an amicable solution to the division of Andhra Pradesh and, with it, the creation of Telangana.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had earlier said that the process for the formation of the new state of Telangana would take about five to six months as per constitutional norms.
“The Congress Working Committee (CWC) has passed a resolution and further procedure will be done according to the Constitution of India. Telangana will be formed by following all the procedures and it would take five to six months,” he said.
He also added that Telangana was being formed because it was the oldest issue and the people of that region have been agitating and demanding the formation of a separate state since 1956.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/tdp-will-return-to-nda-congress/

AIZAWL, Sept 23 NNN : The meeting on border issue has agreed to carry out border patrolling in a frequent manner along the boundaries of Assam, Tripura and Manipur.
Mizoram Chief Secretary L. Tochhong and officials of the Assam Home department today held an interactive coordination meeting in Aizawl discussing over security and other related concerns in connection with the upcoming Mizoram assembly elections.
Assam representatives who came for the coordination meeting included Mahananda Hazarika, Jt. Secretary and DIG Binod Kumar, while, Ashwani Kumar, CEO, H. Lalengmawia, Jt. CEO, senior officers of Home Department and Mizoram Police, representatives of BSF and Assam Rifles represented Mizoram government.
Mizoram Chief Secretary L. Tochhong said in the meeting that the neighbouring states are crucial in ensuring peaceful elections in the forthcoming assembly elections in Mizoram. She expressed her hope that the help and support required from the neighbouring states on security concern would be fulfilled.
She also expressed her happiness over the prevailing peaceful relation between Mizoram and its neighbouring states.
The coordination meeting held today was in pursuance of the direction of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to organize coordination meeting on security concerns with neighboring three states – Assam, Manipur and Tripura which shall be part of preparation for the forthcoming Mizoram assembly elections.
Home Departments of Tripura and Manipur were expected to attend the meeting today but unable to do so due to inconvenience in flight services in the case of Manipur and in the case of Tripura, its Home Secretary had another important programme to attend.
Tripura Government, however, has communicated the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Mizoram in writing and assured its readiness to extend support to Mizoram regarding security concern as well as in other needs in the forthcoming Mizoram election.
The meeting today decided that the district administrations–deputy commissioners and SPs may be informed to hold as many coordination meetings as possible with their counterparts in the neighbouring states on security concern.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-to-cooperate-with-neighboring-states-over-security-along-boundary-lines/

AIZAWL, Sept 23: NNN Paban Singh Ghatowar, Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), who arrived today here in Aizawl for a two-day stay, laid the foundation stone for Aibawk Water Supply Scheme.
Laying the foundation stone for the water supply scheme, DoNER Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar congratulated the people of Aibawk for being selected for the scheme while other localities are also there in waiting. He expressed his hope that under the supervision of PHE Department, the work would be completed within stipulated timeframe.
The central government is caring much for the needs and progress of the people of Mizoram, the visiting Union Minister said, adding, DoNER Ministry has also been advised to take fast steps in this regard.
Under peace and tranquility, Mizoram is moving along the path of progress, said the DoNER Minister, and lauded the state government for carrying out different schemes successfully and profitably.
Highlighting the various steps taken so far and being taken by the DoNER Ministry for the progress of Mizoram, the Union Minister said plans are on for big projects to enhance power sufficiency. He mentioned that 100 crore rupees has been sanctioned by DoNER for
Tuirial Hydro Electric Project, and will also sanction another 200 crore, which will enhance power sufficiency and enable Mizoram to supply power even outside the State too.
The people of Mizoram are peace-loving and God-fearing people, commented the Union Minister, adding, Mizoram, under a strong state government, also continues to be most peaceful and progressing among others States in India.
Aibawk Water Supply Scheme will feed 3 villages- Aibawk, Sateek and Phulpui. Water will be drawn from Tuirivang River by about 33km long pipe, and 4 reservoirs will be constructed. Rs. 9.98 crore is estimated for the scheme and is expected to complete within 2 years time.
The visiting DoNER Minister is accompanied by V.B.Pathak, Joint Secretary, DoNER and Umakant, Director, DoNER.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/doner-minister-lays-foundation-stone-for-water-supply-scheme/

New Delhi, Sep 23 (ANI): Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Monday said no country can progress unless they treat their women with respect.
Addressing the 16th Meeting of the National Integration Council here, Shinde said: “The first relates to the safety and security of women. As you all know, women not only constitute fifty percent of our population and have an equal role to play in the development of this country, but they also remain the main foundation of an egalitarian and dignified society. No country can progress unless they treat their women with respect.”
“Unfortunately, we continue to read about heinous crimes committed on our women. The statistics on crimes against women reveal an increasing trend in the last three years. The brutal rape and attack on a young girl in Delhi last year shocked the conscience of the nation,” he added.
Asserting that the Government of India took a major initiative to amend the criminal law to make the punishment for such offences more stringent, Shinde said: “The judiciary also took steps to fast track the prosecution of the criminals and the judgment in the matter was pronounced recently. We hope that this example will serve as a deterrent.”
“Nevertheless, we need to discuss what further action needs to be taken by the society so that we can deal with the root cause of discrimination and denigration of women. We will also need to change the attitude of the society. As more and more opportunities are seized by the young women of this country for their economic and social development in our growing economy, we will have to ensure that this does not lead to friction in the society,” he added.
Speaking on the issue of the continued discrimination against SC/STs in the country, Shinde said: “The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India have been subjected to indignity, marginalization and neglect through ages. In spite of affirmative action provided for in the Constitution, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes have still not been integrated fully into the society. On the other hand, they continue to be subjected to atrocities.”
“In the last three years, the statistics on the subject reveal an increasing trend in cases of atrocities committed against these classes. There is an attitude of indifference in even prosecuting the cases that have been registered under the stringent Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,” he said.
“The disturbing fact is that the rate of conviction in these cases is very poor. Various pretexts are taken recourse to and justice denied. Unless those committing the atrocities are punished, there will be no deterrence for the people who perpetrate such crimes. This forum may like to discuss the hurdles that still act as barriers for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes to catch up with the rest of the society, live in a dignified manner and become equal partners in national development,” he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/no-country-can-progress-until-it-treats-women-respectfully-shinde/

AIZAWL, Sept 22 NNN: A new political party has been floated called Zoramthar Duhtute (Beiseina Thar) even as Mizoram is set to go to assembly elerctions in two months’ time.Zoramthar
But leaders of this outfit do not want to call their group as ‘political party’. They said they are a group of people under the style and banner of Zoramthar Duhtute (Beiseina Thar) to save Mizoram.
Beiseina Thar said it has come up with a clear-cut plan to do away with the prevailing party politics by way of contesting in the assembly elections and thereby form a government that will be for the people.
They will put their best efforts to replace the political parties in the State that have ruled so far, accusing the latter as ruling along party line and individual preferences rather than for the larger public interest.
The interest group in the name of Zoramthar Duhtute (Beiseina Thar) Pawl has announced that they will contest in the upcoming Mizoram MLA election and would take every possible step to form a government that would belong to the people.
Chairman of Zoramthar Duhtute Pawl, SL Sailova, IAS (rtd) said, “What has been witnessed in the past 40 years is governance marked by preference to one’s kith and kins and members of political parties only. People got very little of their shares, and political parties are only thinking of how to win in the elections, nothing else. Because of this, we have come up.”
Gen Secy of Zoramthar Duhtute Pawl, Dr. Zodinpuia Pachuau also said, “We know very well that there is no hope with the governments we have had so far, and if we continue to have the same kind of government, we don’t believe that a good government will be formed. To fulfill the desire of the common people to have a good government, ‘Zoramthar Duhtute’ has been formed.” It is our main objective to let the people get their proper shares, to make them strong, and to save them from their miserable condition, Dr. Zodinpuia added.
In reply to media query as to whether they plan to form a new Political party, Dr. Zodinpuia said “We don’t have a plan to form a new Party. But our way of functioning will be like that of a party, and we shall also have candidates.”
Zoramthar Duhtute Pawl leaders also said that the Election Commission of India can accept the group as ‘unregistered party’, adding “We have not yet decided how many candidates we shall have in the forthcoming election. However, we expect to have at least 5 candidates so that we would be able to use ‘common symbol’.”
“We can come to agreement with anyone whether it is a political party or others, if they could agree with our objectives and principles” they added.
Sailova said, “Had the range of salary of the government servants lowered, and corruption detested, I don’t believe the State will experience such a severe financial crisis like the present.”
Informing that they will invite good individuals for their Candidates, SL Sailova added “if we don’t find one (like our want) we may just contest daring to lose”. He further added that their candidate will all sign oath of affirmation, and will be expected to give up if they don’t want to do their duty well.
SL Sailova, IAS (rtd) as chairman of the outfit, Lalngheta Sailo, IPS (rtd) as Vice Chairman, Zodinpuia Pachuau as General Secretary, Dr. Lalnunthara as Treasurer, Dr. Chawnglungmuana as Secretary and other members.
As announced by them, Zoramthar Duhtute Pawl is determined to fight for a new peoples’ government in the forthcoming 2013 Mizoram Legislative Assembly (MLA) elections. Leaders of the group also explained that they come to the fore with their common interests to form peoples’ government, not a party government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/new-political-outfit-floated-in-mizoram/

DIMAPUR, Sept 21 NNN : Almost one month has passed since Nagaland home minister G Kaito had withdrawn his security escorts and then directed the state police headquarters to withdraw security escorts of the ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and top bureaucrats when in station, no visible result is seen till date.
Sources said a handful of ‘VIPs’ have reduced or withdrawn their security escorts majority of the legislators did not pay any heed to the state home minister’s directive.
In the first week of September, Nagaland home minister G Kaito Aye had issued this directive as more security personnel are needed for maintaining law and order.
The home minister had withdrawn his security escorts before issuing this directive.
Following this directive from the Nagaland home minister, some legislators and bureaucrats had reportedly expressed displeasure.
It can be noted here that over 600 police personnel were attached with the legislators along with one driver each.
It can be noted here that East Dimapur Tribal Council (EDTC) had lauded the initiative of Nagaland home minister G Kaito Aye.
In a press communique, EDTC had said, “It is a very commendable job on the part of the home minister to take such initiatives when the state is in need of more forces for maintaining law and order and also when the world is facing economic crisis.The bold steps by the minister will surely help the state exchequer from where the money spent on those escorts can be used for development purposes.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/security-not-yet-withdrawn-from-ministers-officials/

DIMAPUR, Sept 19 NNN : Four NSCN cadres have been arrested by Assam Rifles in Nagaland for transporting arms and for extorting in two separate incidents.
In the first case, two persons from Manipur including a woman were arrested by personnel of 37 Assam Rifles in Ghaspani area of Nagaland for transporting weapons from Manipur to Nagaland yesterday.
An Assam Rifles source said they are suspected to be NSCN-Khole/Kitovi (NSCN-KK) cadres.
“Based on specific information about illegal transhipment of weapons from Manipur to Dimapur, troops of 37 Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ 6 Sector Assam Rifles placed mobile check post along Imphal-Dimapur road and apprehended two suspected NSCN (KK) cadres identified as one Hecha Gangte (24) of Churachandpur (Manipur) and Mamong Haokip (21) of Moreh (Manipur),” said the Assam Rifles source.
According to the source, the arms were being transported from Manipur to Dimapur in a Maruti van bearing registration No NL-07C 4221.
After detailed search of the vehicle three AK 56 rifles along with magazines were found hidden in the petrol tank of the Maruti van. The apprehended individuals alongwith recoveries were handed over to Medziphema Police Station, Nagaland, said the Assam Rifles source.
In the second incident, personnel of 29 Assam Rifles arrested two NSCN-IM cadres for extorting in Dimapur market yesterday.
The Assam Rifles source said that based on specific information about illegal tax collection by NSCN (IM) cadres in general area Hongkong Market, an operation was launched by the troops of 29 Assam Rifles to apprehend the individuals. At around 1330 hrs, the troops tracked the suspected individuals and apprehended them in the process of collecting money from one of the shops.
The individuals were in possession of illegally collected money amounting Rs 61,700 along with tax collection receipts, the source said.
According to the Assam Rifles source, details of the individuals are Mr. Jasper Shimray from Teinem in Urkhrul district, Manipur and Mr. Michael Ngulie from Oktcho of Wokha district, Nagaland.
The individuals along with recovered items were handed over to the East Police Station, Dimapur, the Assam Rifles claimed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/four-nscn-cadres-held/

AIZAWL, Sept 20 NNN: With the initiative of Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked yesterday for Comprehensive Rubber Based Settlement Project in Mizoram.
The MoU was signed between Rubber Production Commissioner (Retd.), Trivandrum, Kerala (Consultant) and Mizoram Governemnt (Soil & Water Conservation Department).
Official sources said that the project is an undertaking with the fund of state government flagship programme New Land Use Policy (NLUP), and the project is planned to be completed within three months’ time from the date of the signing of the MoU.
As and when DPR is finalized, search will begin for the funding source, and for the same World Bank assistance is also expected, sources said, adding that as per plan 50,000 ha. will be covered within 20 years starting with the coverage of about 2500 ha. per year at the initial stage.
Mention has also been made that mapping on the extent of cultivable land for rubber plantation in Mizoram is being done through MIRSAC.
In order to bring self-sufficiency in rubber seedlings, the Soil & Water Conservation Department has also since 2010 begun to set up Budwood Nursery and Seedling Nursery at 6 different places through NLUP, and the result of the same is expected to be seen in 2014.
As of now, under the NLUP, 1448 families are engaged in rubber plantation and trade, and the beneficiaries have received high quality rubber seedlings called RRIM.
Through NABARD loan, the mentioned nurseries are to be improvised and the plan is also on to set up four new nurseries .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rubber-project-to-be-taken-up-at-mizoram/

Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) in its report, “India’s Unfinished Agenda for Inclusion: A study on denial of reservation to the tribals in the government services and posts” (http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/UnfinishedAgenda.pdf) released today stated that the Scheduled Tribes (STs) are the most deprived in the government employment. As of 8 May 2013, the maximum number of backlog vacancies with the Central Government was 12,195 posts for the STs, followed by 8,332 posts for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and 6,961 posts for the Scheduled Castes (SCs).Central Universities discriminate the most:
“According to information provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Right to
Information Act, the representation of the STs in the post of professors has come down from 3.88% (46 STs against total of 1,187 professors) in 2006-07 to 0.24% (4 STs against total sanctioned posts of 1,667 professors) in 2010-11; from 1.03% (18 STs against total of 1,744 Readers) in 2006-2007 to 0.32% (10 STs against total sanctioned posts of 3,155 Readers) in 2010-11 in the post of Readers; and from 4.43% (129 STs against total of 2,914 Lecturers) in 2006-07 to 3.63% (193 STs against total posts of 5,317) in 2010-11 in the post of Lecturers. In fact, there is better representation of the STs in the top echelons of the Central Government of India than in the Central universities. During 2010-11, at the level of the Secretary to the Central Government, the representation of the STs was 2.68% while representation of the STs at the level of Professor in the Central Universities was mere 0.24%. During the same period, at the level of the Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary to the Government of India, the combined representation of the STs was 2.5% while the representation of the STs at the level of Readers in the Central Universities was mere 0.32%.”- stated the study.
“The data provided by the UGC shows that India’s higher educational institutions remain the most casteist, possibly a reflection of the opposition to the reservation policy.” – stated Mr Suhas Chakma , Director of Asian Centre for Human Rights.
Parliamentary panel’s order for inquiry into the CBDT’s refusal to promote the STs:
The officials holding positions of power on appointments in the posts and services of the government have adopted certain modus operandi to deprive the STs and others’ access to the reserved seats. The posts in the reserved seats are kept vacant for certain years, and later dereserved on the ground of public interest as “no suitable candidates found” even if many ST and other reserved category candidates meet all the eligibility criteria for the specific posts. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in its Twenty Fourth Report titled “Reservation for and employment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)” presented before the Parliament on 26 November 2012 noted “every year a good number of SC/ST candidates qualify the examination for promotion but only handful are promoted” by the CBDT and “despite having SC/ ST candidates who are eligible for promotion posts, the CBDT has been depriving these candidates of rightful promotion.” While rejecting the contention of the Finance Ministry about “non-availability of eligible candidates is the major reason for backlog”, the Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended that “an enquiry should be initiated for such cases in various Directorates to determine the reasons for keeping promotion posts vacant despite availability of SC/ST candidates, who have already qualified in the examination for promotion”.
101 crimes commited daily against SCs and STs during 2001 to 2012: National Crime Records Bureau
“The caste system is the root cause of economic, social and political exclusion and the reservation policy is an attempt to ensure inclusion of those who from time immemorial have been excluded and subjected to violence. However, there is no improvement of the situation. As per the National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 4,40,691 crimes were committed against the SCs and the STs from 2001 to 2012. This implies at least 101 crimes were committed every day against the SCs and the STs during the same period. The figures of the NCRB are only tip of the iceberg as most crimes against the SCs and the STs are not reported to and/or registered by the police. That the Rajya Sabha passed the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Bill, 2013 only on 7th September 2013 reflects how far away India is from addressing caste specific tasks and caste based discrimination.”- further stated Mr Chakma.
Lamenting the Supreme Court, Asian Centre for Human Rights stated “A string of Supreme Court rulings against reservation including in the case of Indra Sawhney Vs Union of India assume that untouchability has indeed been done away with following its abolition as per Article 17 of the Constitution of India, and there is no caste bias among the people in India. More fundamentally, these judgements overlook and undermine extraordinary level of caste violence as reflected in the data of the NCRB.”
Justifying the reservation policy, ACHR stated, “Without reservation, the SCs and the STs, who are not allowed to enter houses and villages of the dominant castes, not to mention about the temples and other public places even today, would not have had access to educational institutions, government employment, State Assemblies and parliament; and India surely would have remained more divided and fragmented; and the existence of the country would have been more at risks in the face of violence and conflict as a direct consequence of caste based discrimination and exclusion”.
Asian Centre for Human Rights recommended to the Government of India to (1) centrally maintain details of vacancy position in respect of reserved posts and details of backlog vacancies and direct the Liaison Officers appointed in each Ministry/Department to update the same every three months in the centralized website; (2) issue Office Memorandum by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions instructing each Ministry/Department to provide that reserved seats for the SCs, the STs and others cannot be dereserved under any circumstances; (3) issue Office Memorandum by the DoPT instructing each Ministry/Department to provide that no reserved seat can be kept vacant on the “ground of no suitable candidates found” if any SC/ST candidate fulfill the basic eligibility criteria for the specific post; and further for keeping a particular post vacant, prior permission be sought from the concerned authorities, among others, by providing details of qualification of each candidate vis-a-vis the eligibility criteria in the previous recruitment process;(4) direct the Human Resources Development Ministry to launch special drives for recruitment of the STs and other reserved categories in the Central Universities and other higher educational institutions run and/or aided by the Government of India; and (5) amend the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to include non-filling up of reserved seats despite availability of candidates from the SCs and the STs meeting the eligibility criteria as an offence under the Act.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/central-universities-discriminate-most-against-sts-in-recruitment/

DIMAPUR, Sept 14 NNN : Nagaland ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MLAs and top bureaucrats will now look after their own security while in station as the state home minister had reportedly directed the state police headquarters to withdraw all security vehicle-escorts.
A leading newspaper based in Dimapur had reported that Nagaland home minister G Kaito Aye had issued this directive as more security personnel are needed for maintaining the worsening law and order.
It reported that the home minister had withdrawn his security escorts last week before issuing this directive. The daily added in its report quoting a senior police officer claiming that some Parliamentary Secretaries and MLAs had already ‘surrendered their escorts’ to the police headquarter.
Following this directive from the Nagaland home minister, some legislators and bureaucrats had expressed displeasure, the Dimapur based daily stated.
It can be noted here that over 600 police personnel were attached with the legislators along with one driver each.
Meanwhile, East Dimapur Tribal Council (EDTC) has lauded the initiative of Nagaland home minister G Kaito Aye.
In a press communique, EDTC said, “It is a very commendable job on the part of the home minister to take such initiatives when the state is in need of more forces for maintaining law and order and also when the world is facing economic crisis.The bold steps by the minister will surely help the state exchequer from where the money spent on those escorts can be used for development purposes.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/security-to-be-removed-from-ministers-babus/

New Delhi/Bhopal, Sept 14 (ANI): The Congress Party on Saturday said it is a myth to expect that the nation will accept Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, a person who has no unanimity in his party.
“The country is watching the infighting within the BJP. It is a myth to expect the country will back a person about whom there is no unanimity in his party,” Congress leader Satyavrat Chaturvedi said. Social activist Shabnam Hashmi said that Modi’s anointment as the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate shows that BJP has no agenda except communalism.
“It is amply clear that BJP has no agenda except communalism because Modi is a symbol of communal thinking,” she said in Bhopal.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that such reaction against his party is natural because the Congress’ days in the Centre are numbered.
“It is natural that they would sweat against such a leadership; their worry and exasperations are natural because their days in the government are numbered,” he said.
BJP on Friday announced Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2014 general elections.
The announcement came after a meeting of the party’s parliamentary board here this evening, which unanimously decided to project Modi as the prime ministerial candidate.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/congress-says-nation-will-not-accept-modi/

SHILLONG, Sept 12 NNN : The ‘night road block’ in Meghalaya has entered the third night tonight imposed by prominent civil and student organisations of Meghalaya demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state.
Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, HNYF, Garo Students Union (GSU), JSSU, CSWO, KWWADA, ADE and RBYF have been spearheading the demand for the Inner Line Permit in the state.
Meanwhile, fourteen of the twenty-two villages Rangbah Shnongs or headmen under the Umroi area in Ri-Bhoi district have extended their support to the pro ILP activists in their fight for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) into the state. The Rangbah Shnong, however also want that the government should come up with a ‘Registration Act’ rather than the proposed ‘Tenancy Act’ apart from the ILP to tackle illegal influx into the state.
Umroi Umdohbyrthi headman Pynwanbor Sylliang told reporters during a press conference said majority of the village heads of Umroi area have
unanimously decided to support the demand put forth by the ten ngos for the introduction of the ILP in the state.
Sylliang informed over 14 village heads out of the 22 villages under Umroi area attended the meeting.Ten organisations have started their second phase of agitation across the state to pressurize the state government that the state government must implement the ILP.
Stating that there is a need to preserve the identity of our indigenous people, Sylliang said, “We have also decided to introduce registration offices in the different village to verify the credentials of the people coming from outside to work in the area right from labourers to office workers.” He informed that such people will be directed to register themselves with the respective dorbar shnongs.
Sylliang felt this exercise will further help to keep check inflow of outsiders into the state.”
Quoting the chief minister Mukul Sangma who recently said that there are other mechanisms which are more effective than the ILP, Umroi Umdohbyrthi former headmen LR Lyngkhoi said, “We strongly rejected the statement made by the chief minister when the situation in the state is quite serious.”Lyngkhoi said the everyone doubt that the proposed State Tenancy Act which the state government claims it is better than the ILP will address the issue of influx.” According to him the Tenancy Act will only protect and safeguard the tenants instead of the indigenous people.
Lyngkhoi however suggested that the government needs to revisit the tenancy act and instead replace it with a registration act. He said more than the tenancy rules the state must be equipped with a mechanism that will ensure that all people coming from outside get themselves registered with the government involving the traditional institutions as part of the process.
“Registration is important as this will deter outsiders to over stay and it will also help in reducing crimes,” Lyngkhoi stated.
Meanwhile, the village heads also expressed their resentment on the centralization of powers by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) which in turned has worsen up the situation in the state. “We demand the KHADC being the custodian of customary laws to safeguard tribal lands to decentralize its powers at the Dorbar shnong level,” Lyngkhoi said. He said the state government and KHADC needs to empower the Rangbah Shnongs in tackling issues .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/night-road-block-protest-to-demand-ilp-introduction/

Civil society organisations and students’ bodies in Meghalaya have begun their ‘night road block’ agitation since last night demanding the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.
Khasi Students Union (KSU), FKJGP, HNYF, Garo Students Union (GSU), JSSU, CSWO, KWWADA, ADE and RBYF have been spearheading the demand for the Inner Line Permit in the state. These organisations had held talk with the state government on August 29 where chief minister Dr Mukul Sangma had expressed his desire to have other mechanisms instead of implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to control the influx issue in Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, the ‘night road blockade’ will continue till September 13 night. The night road block begins at 7 pm and ends at 5 am on daily basis. The blockade has been effective in all the districts of Meghalaya. The extremely busy Guwahati-Shillong road is badly affected.
According to the civil bodies demanding the implementation of the ILP in the state, if the Mukul Sangma government fails to response by September 13, they will announce the next course of agitation which will be more drastic than the ongoing form of agitation.Office picketing, bandhs and other forms of protest had altready been held in Meghalaya this month.NNN

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

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Sep 11 : Working Group on Human Rights in India and the UN (WGHR) – a coalition of Indian civil society organisations and independent experts – calls for an immediate repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, on its 55th anniversary.
The AFSPA has continued to be an excuse for suppression and impunity for the last 55 years. The law and the violence and illegality committed under its protection have alienated the people of the North Eastern States and Jammu and Kashmir. For 13 years force-fed and forgotten, Irom Sharmila, has determinedly laid her life on the line for its repeal.
The Supreme Court did uphold its constitutionality in 1997 but at the same time warned that prolonged and too frequent deployment of armed forces for handling such situation is likely to generate a feeling of alienation amongst the armed forces.

Earlier this year, Justice Verma, the architect of 1997 judgment, sitting as Chair of Committee on Amendments to Criminal Law pertaining to violence against women recommended, in a change of heart, that so far as sexual offences are concerned, the need to obtain sanction from the central government for prosecution, suit or other legal proceeding shall be dropped. The government has ignored the recommendation. This is despite the affirmation of Union Home Ministry’s Committee to Review Armed Forces Special Powers Act’s recommendation that AFSPA’s constitutional legality is “not an endorsement of the desirability or advisability of the Act (…) the Act, for whatever reason, has become a symbol of oppression, an object of hate and an instrument of discrimination and high-handedness. It is highly desirable and advisable to repeal this Act, altogether (..).” The same position is endorsed by the 2nd Administrative Reform Commission.
Most recently, following a PIL filed by the Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association, Manipur on 1528 alleged extrajudicial killings, the Supreme Court appointed Justice Santosh Hedge Commission, also agreed with the official Committee and Commission and observed that “though the Act gives sweeping powers to the security forces even to the extent of killing a suspect with protection against prosecution etc. the Act does not provide any protection to the citizens against possible misuse of these extraordinary powers”.
After his 2012 visit to India, Mr. Christof Heyns, UN Special Rapporteur on Summary, Arbitrary and Extra-Judicial Executions, presented a report at the 23rd session of the Human Rights Council, Geneva, in which he concluded, “that retaining a law such as AFSPA runs counter to the principles of democracy and human rights. Its repeal will bring domestic law more in line with international standards, and send a strong message that the Government is committed to respect the right to life of all people in the country.” He also observed that “the powers granted under AFSPA are in reality broader than that allowable under a state of emergency as the right to life may effectively be suspended under the Act and the safeguards applicable in a state of emergency are absent.WGHR strongly recommends the Government of India that it initiates the necessary legal reforms and policy measures in order to end impunity and diminish the level of unlawful killings.
WGHR, therefore, once again calls for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/working-group-on-human-rights-in-india-and-the-un-wghr-calls-for-repeal-of-afspa/

SHILLONG, Sept 9 NNN : Agitation in protest against the non-implementation of Inner Line Permit system in Meghalaya intensifies.
Expressing stiff opposition against the State government Meghalaya’s ‘adamant attitude’ towards the implementation of Inner Line Permit system in the state, several groups pressing for the immediate implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state today announced for a four-day ‘night road-blockade’ from September 10, even as they threatened to intensify their stir.
The Mukul Sangma government wanted other mechanisms instead of implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to control the influx issue in Meghalaya but the civil society organisations rejected the state government’s proposal.
Khasi Students Union (KSU) vice president Fredrick Kharmawphlang informed, “We have decided to call for a four days night blockade, as a move to intensify our stir to protest against the State government‘s failure to implement the inner line permit (ILP) in the state which is as per recommendation of the High Level Committee on Influx (HCLI),”
The night road-blockade starting from September 10, 11, 12 and 13 (from 7 pm to 5 am) will be effective in all the eleven districts of Meghalaya, he said.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the ten pressure groups after the statewide office picketing which has affected the normal functioning of the government machineries concluded on Saturday last. The agitations by the groups have started since Monday last with a 12 hours bandh and three days night road blockade following their talks with government failed.
Kharmawphlang said, “We still stand by our demand that the State government should immediately put the ILP effective in the entire state.”
He however said, “Massive agitational programmes are on the cards in the coming days, if the government does not change its attitude on the issue.
We will announce our next course of action after the September 13,” adding “Will fight till our demand is achieved.”
Appreciating the public for their support, the vice president further stated however, “We appeal to all the people of the state including the government employees to continue to extend their support and cooperation on the issue.”
Meanwhile, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has staged a one day sit in demonstration today to express stiff opposition and to create awareness on the need to implement the ILP system in the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/stir-on-ilp-at-meghalaya/

AIZAWL, Sept 9 NNN : Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla has expressed his opinion that it is high time for the Mizos to rethink the age-old traditional practices in funeral and burial of deaths, adding that if it is for the good of the society and the nation, it is also time to muster the courage to change opinion.
He said this today while releasing a book named “Mitthi Privatise” (Privatising the deaths) authored by one Vanramchhuangi alias Ruatfela Nu.
The book releasing function was held at I&PR Auditorium here in Aizawl. Rosiamngheta conducted the book releasing function while L.H. Lianhrima highlighted the main ideas incorporated in the book.
Chief Guest at the function, Lal Thanhawla called on his fellow Mizos to have a rethinking on their established practices regarding rituals associated with deaths, mentioning how the Mizos, comparing to other societies, deals with deaths in an intense manner, so much so that it has become the common practice of the Mizos irrespective of family condition to carry out the rituals associated with deaths at the expense of huge money.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-cm-speaks-on-traditional-rituals/

AIZAWL, Sept 8 NNN : The Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) is all set to impose Mizoram bandh on Tuesday but the ruling Congress is opposing it.
The MNF is calling bandh as a mark of resentment against the alleged misrule of Lal Thanhawla led Congress government in Mizoram. The Congress party called the move of the Opposition as ‘illogcal’ saying Mizoram has been shining because of the Congress government.
The ruling Congress party is enjoying the popularity of its pilot project New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in the rural areas.
General decadence of political system coupled with economic recession in the state have compelled us to protest,” said the Action Committee of the MNF. The MNF also accused Lalrinliana Sailo, Mizoram health minister of indulging in drug smuggling.
The Congress party said during the MNF rule under Zoramthanga, the state of Mizoram had suffered immensely. “Corruption was in the peak under the MNF rule,” accused the Congress party. MNF too said corruption has become too rampant under the Congress rule in Mizoram and appealed the people of the state to understand this. Mizoram will witness assembly elections sometime in October end or in November.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mnf-to-impose-bandh/