Tag: National

Due to deficient rainfall and drought situation in the current year, Government of India has introduced the “Diesel Subsidy Scheme” with a view to provide irrigation through diesel pumpsets to save the standing crops and to mitigate the hardships of farmers, especially that of small and marginal farmers in the country.
Ceiling on seeds subsidy has also been enhanced from Rs.500 per quintal to Rs.700 per quintal in respect of cereals, from Rs.1200 per quintal to Rs.2000 per quintal in respect of pulses and oilseeds and from Rs.800 per quintal to Rs.1000 per quintal in respect of coarse cereals with a view to provide relief to farmers.
This information was given by Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/subsidy-to-farmers-to-overcome-drought/

Guwahati, Aug 21 NNN : Non Muslims are fleeing the Dhubri district of Assam bordering Bangladesh fearing a backlash.
Reports said around 1200 non Muslims have already fled in the last two days to adjoining states.
According to an official source, communities like Bengali Hindus and Koch-Rajbongshi comprised the maximum among the fleeing people from Assam’s western district.
Dhubri is an Assam district bordering Bangladesh where, of the total population Muslims comprise of 75%.
In districts such as Nagaon in central Assam and Karimganj and Hailakandi in southern Assam where Muslims are majority, the state government is in full gear to contain any untoward incident. Reports said adequate security has been already stationed in these districts.
Today’s development came even as the government of Assam has been minutely working to thwart the disruptive activities of 14 Islamic radical organisations.
On Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had intimated to the Tarun Gogoi government that the former has identified 14 Islamic radical groups in Assam that may be a hurdle to the effort initiated for peace by the government as well as by various social organisations.
Muslim Security Council of Assam, United Liberation Militia of Assam, Islamic Liberation Army of Assam, Muslim Volunteer Force, Muslim Liberation Army, Muslim Security Force, Revolutionary Muslim Commandos, Muslim Liberation Tigers of Assam, Muslim United Liberation Front of Assam and Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam are some of the groups identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs that are posing a threat to the road for peace, according to officials from Assam home department.
On Sunday, the Assam chief minister while blaming the ‘outside forces in collaboration with certain internal forces’ for the present situation, has asked the top police officers of the state to be on alert always.
Meeting the three former police chiefs and the chief secretary and top administrative and police officials, Tarun Gogoi had cautioned that the administration should be in full gear to deal any slight trouble which may lead to escalate the situation.
Tarun Gogoi’s move came a day after New Delhi blamed a neighbour’s hand in the problem.
Even as there has been exodus of North Easterners from other parts of India, there have been a counter-backlash threat from two Bodo organisations, including a militant outfit.
The pro-talks faction of the militant National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and People’s Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement had vowed that no displaced Muslims will allowed to enter ‘Bodo areas’ again.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/people-fleeing-from-assam-bangladesh-border-areas/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 21: The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Paban Singh Ghatowar has said that funds for Special Accelerated Road Development Programme in North East (SARDP-NE) are allotted by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for entire programme, which are not State/Project-wise. Allocation and expenditure of funds, under SARDP-NE, during last and current year is given below:
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, pace of road construction is adversely affected due to rainfall, landslides and other such natural phenomenon but it is not possible to quantify affect of these on road construction activity.
He said, in order to accelerate construction of roads under SARDP-NE, periodical review of projects with executing agencies is being taken regularly. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been instructed to switch over to execution of roads construction, through Contract from current practice of Departmental Execution, since BRO was failing to meet time schedules of road construction.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bro-not-able-to-meet-time-schedule-to-complete-works-in-ne-ghatowar/

MNS: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh addressed an All Party meeting on Reservation in promotions in New Delhi today. He said he called the meeting to discuss the issue of reservation in promotion specifically in respect of the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of U.P. Power Corporation Ltd. vs. Rajesh Kumar & Ors. wherein the Court has struck down provision of reservation in promotion to SCs and STs in the State of UP.
Government had always been committed to protect the interests of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and on certain occasions did not hesitate even to bring constitutional amendments.
Supreme Court in its judgement dated 16.11.1992 in the case of Indra Sawhney had, inter alia, held that reservation in promotion is ultra vires but allowed its continuation for five years from the date of judgment as a special case. The 77th amendment to the Constitution was made in 1995 inserting clause (4A) to Article 16 before expiry of five year which enabled the Government to continue reservation for SCs and STs in promotion.
Clause (4A) of the Constitution was further modified through 85th amendment so as to give benefit of consequential seniority to SC/ST candidates promoted by reservation.
The 81st amendment was made to the Constitution whereby clause (4/B) was incorporated in Article 16 of the Constitution which permits to treat the backlog reserved vacancies as a separate and distinct group, to which the limit of 50% may not apply. This enables the Government to launch Special Recruitment Drives to fill up the backlog vacancies reserved for SCs/STs and OBCs.
During the Drive of 2004, more than 60,000 backlog reserved vacancies were filled up. The Special Recruitment Drive, 2008 has already resulted in filling up of 43,781 vacancies.
The 82nd amendment was made to the Constitution whereby a proviso was incorporated in Article 335 of the Constitution which enabled the State to give relaxations/concessions to the SC and ST candidates in the matter of promotion.
The aforesaid four Constitutional amendments were made in order to protect the interests of the backward classes including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The validity of all these four Amendments were challenged before the Supreme Court through various writ petitions clubbed together in M. Nagaraj & others vs. Union of India & others mainly on the ground that these alterd the basic structure of the Constitution.
In order to ensure that the case of Government is put effectively before the Supreme Court, K.Parasaran, an eminent lawyer, having the experience of defending the interests of weaker sections, was engaged with the approval of the then Law Minister. It was through the efforts of the Government that the Supreme Court in its judgment dated 19.10.2006 in the matter of M. Nagaraj & others v. Union of India & others upheld the validity of all these four amendments. However, the Court stipulated that the concerned State will have to show in each case the existence of the compelling reasons, namely, backwardness, inadequacy of representation and overall administrative efficiency before making provision for reservation.
The Court further held that the impugned provision is an enabling provision. If the State Government wish to make provision for reservation to SCs and STs in promotion, the State has to collect quantifiable data showing backwardness of the class and inadequacy of representation of that class in public employment in addition to compliance of Article 335.
There were some Court cases filed in different states on the ground that the pre-requisite conditions as laid down by the Supreme Courts in M. Nagaraj case have not been observed while providing reservation in promotion. In the recent past the Supreme Court has struck down reservation in promotion in some states.
The Government is exploring the possible solution of the current situation.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pm-on-reservation-in-promotions/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 20: A student from Manipur Sarid Ahmed of Lilong Turel Ahanbi was among those killed at New Jalpaiguri on Aug 18 last. His body will be brought to Imphal by air tomorrow.
Stepping up its drive against “erring” portals, government has ordered blocking of more than 250 websites in which morphed images and videos were uploaded to incite Muslims leading to exodus of people belonging to the northeast from Karnataka and some other states.
Home ministry officials said more than 130 websites have been blocked till now while the rest will be blocked shortly.
“We are planning to block some more sites,” an official said.
Government is also contemplating to take up the CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team-India) findings at the international forum as it has turned out to be the biggest instance of cyber warfare on India in recent times.
A Pakistan-based hardline group is suspected to have been involved in doctoring images and spreading them across social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and You Tube to incite Muslims and create scare among people of northeastern region living across India.
Most of the online content started getting posted from July 13 and fake profiles were created for spreading morphed pictures, according to a Home Ministry report prepared in the wake of mass exodus of people belonging to the north east from Bangalore, Pune, Chennai and Mumbai following rumours about possible attack on them.
India is readying evidence on the alleged Pakistan-origin of morphed pictures of Assam violence which sparked an exodus of northeastern citizens from other states and plans to present it when External Affairs Minister SM Krishna goes to Islamabad next month for talks, sources said on Monday.
Krishna goes to Islamabad on a three-day visit on September 07 for talks with his counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar that will focus on reviewing the second round of dialogue that was revived early last year following a hiatus after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.
The talks are expected to encompass all bilateral issues, including terrorism and Kashmir, but with recent disclosures about the role of Pakistan-based elements in using morphed internet images that triggered an exodus of northeastern people from other states, the issue is set to figure in the discussions.
Krishna is expected to take up the issue of morphed pictures as such incidents show that elements engaged in anti-India propaganda have continued to be active in Pakistan, said sources.
During the talks, India is also set to highlight the activities of Hafiz Saeed, the alleged 26/11 mastermind, who continues to spout anti-India rhetoric with impunity.
Such anti-India campaigns were not conducive to creating a healthy atmosphere for improved relations, said sources.
Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Monday said that the government would soon provide Islamabad with evidence of the involvement of Pakistan-based groups in whipping up panic that led to the exodus of Indians from North East in the country.
“India will give proof to Pakistan very soon on the involvement of Pakistani websites,” Shinde said.
Mizoram health minister Lalrinliana Sailo and Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and John Siamkunga who is also an MLA left Bangalore today in connection with the prevailing situation.
The Mizoram health minister and the Congress party chief of the state were sent by state chief minister Lal Thanhawla to stock of the situation and to render possible assistance to the Mizos there.
Lalrinliana Sailo and John Siamkunga, MLA will meet officials of Karnataka government and discuss on the problem that triggered the exodus of the Northeast people.
They will also meet Bangalore Mizo Welfare leaders and other organisations.
Meanwhile, Union Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has reportedly asked Mizoram chief minister Lal Thanhawla over telephone to let the restriction of sending SMS by cell phone users to just 5 messages a day in order to curve the rumours doing the round. It is not confirmed whether the same has been directed to other state chief ministers.
Meanwhile, Mizo Students’ Association (MSA), Bangalore, Pune Mizo Welfare Association (PMWA) and Mizo Students’ Union, Pune (MSUP) in a joint press communique have expressed unhappiness over the insecure situation in the southern cities saying that the governments both the states and the Union are not doing enough to thwart the perceived threats.
On the other hand, Mizo leaders in Pune informed that the newly formed North East Community Forum had a meeting.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-youth-among-those-killed-at-new-jalpaiguri-govt-orders-blocking-of-250-websites/

Imphal, August 20 NNN: The All Manipur Students Guardians’ Organisation (AMSGO) has on Monday appealed the state Government to look after the exodus of Northeast students fleeing Karnataka and Maharashra because of fears of attacks there.
We are really unhappy over such incidents,” N Chaoba, president, AMSGO told media persons at the organisation’s office here. He said, “It is time to give up enmity among us and concentrate on building up unity with feeling of oneness instead. Such move will help us in taking part in the global development pace,” Chaoba stressed. Saying that all the students who have fled the states are not all from well- to- do families, he said among them some are not in the condition to further pursue their education owing to the attacks on Northeast people in Bangalore, Pune, Hydrabad, etc.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/guardians-want-ne-people-protected/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 20: All India Catholic Union National President Mr. Eugene Gonsalves has denounced efforts by some organisations which have sought to create divisions among the people in India and have, by spreading hate through rumours and using the social media, almost brought the country to the brink of a national catastrophe.
The All India Catholic Union was founded in 1919, and reflects the aspirations of India’s 1.6 crore Catholic Laity active in more than 160 dioceses spread across the country. Catholics constitute about 60 per cent of the total Christian population, which is about 2.3 per cent of the national population.
In a press statement released at the end of the two day Annual General Meeting at Seva Kendra, Kolkata, Gonsalves said the AICU congratulated the national and state governments, including those of West Bengal, Andhra and Karnataka, political parties and civil society for moving quickly to stop the mischief. The AICU appealed to students and working people of the North East living in various metropolitan cities not to be misled by rumours. The nation assures them of their safety and security and calls upon them to return to their homes and institutions in Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
The AICU also called upon the national government and the government of Assam to urgently create conditions so that the 4 lakh internally displaced Bodos and Bengali speaking people could return to their homes in their villages. The government must address the root causes that led to the conflagration. The state must also ensure compensation to the kin of the dead and people who have lost their homes and their livelihood. Lessons must be learnt from this great human tragedy so that it is not repeated in Assam or elsewhere. This calls for great wisdom and good governance, as also deep understanding and toleration among the people.
The Catholic Union demanded justice to the tribal and Dalit Christians of Kandhamal in Orissa. Four years after the violence against Christians in August 2008, there were many without homes and jobs. Justice had been denied to many victims of violence. In the case of Christians murdered in the 2008 violence, the state had failed to punish most of the guilty.
The AICU also urged the Government of India to expedite the setting upon a committee on the pattern of the “Justice Sachar Prime Minister’s committee for Muslims” so as to correctly assess the needs of the community across the nation, and specifically among the Dalits, Tribals, Fisherfolk and landless peasantry. The government must also ensure justice to the Dalit Christians who have been struggling to regain their scheduled caste rights which were robbed from them in 1950 by an unconstitutional Presidential Order.
The AICU annual general meeting earlier unanimously elected Mr. Eugene Gonsalves, a management expert and well known Kolkata entrepreneur, as its National President for a two-year term. Mr. Lancy D Cunha a young businessman of Mangalore, Karnataka, was elected the National Vice President. Mr. Gonsalves succeeds well known mathematician Prof Remy Denis of Gorakhpur University who served a four year term. The AGM was attended by delegates from all states and union territories, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Past National Presidents Dr. Maria Emilia Menezes and Dr John Dayal also attended the AGM and felicitated Mr. Gonsalves and Mr. D Cunha on their unanimous elections.
A major task was the nurture and training of new leaders from among the youth in the parishes and dioceses, the constituent blocks of the church in India. The AICU runs training programmes to empower the Laity. Special programmes are now being formulated for young men and women. A special focus will be on economic and political empowerment of the community, Mr. Gonsalves said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/catholic-union-expresses-solidarity-with-people-of-ne/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 19: Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has expressed concern to his Pakistani counterpart over the issue of social media-networking sites being misused by elements based in Pakistan to circulate false pictures and stories so as to whip up communal sentiments in India and has sought Pakistan’s full cooperation in checking and neutralizing such elements. Shri Shinde expressed these views when Mr. Rehman Malik, Interior Minister of Pakistan spoke to him today over telephone. This was the first direct contact between the two Ministers.
Shri Shinde thanked Mr. Malik and conveyed his Eid wishes to him and the people of Pakistan. The Union Home Minister expressed the hope that the occasion would herald an improvement in Indo-Pak relations.
The Interior Minister of Pakistan briefly spoke of the pending issues between the two Ministries and re-iterated his commitment to bring the masterminds and perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attack to justice. He assured full mutual cooperation in this matter. Mr. Rehman Malik also invited Shri Shinde to visit Pakistan to sign the revised Visa agreement which has now been agreed to by both sides.
Both concluded the discussion by agreeing to continue the mutual cooperation and to work towards rooting out terrorism in all its form and manifestation.
Bulk of the rumours that triggered panic among people of northeastern states in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra were sourced from Pakistan, Union Home Secretary R K Singh said .”A total of 76 websites were identified where morphed images were uploaded and bulk of these were uploaded in Pakistan,” Singh said.
“We believe it is highly reprehensible. I think it needs to be made known to everybody that this is something that is being done from Pakistan. The bulk of it has been done from Pakistan,” he said.
Singh said bodies of victims of cyclones and earthquakes in different part of the world were shown as victims of violence in Myanmar in the morphed images. Pakistan on Sunday rejected Indian charges that morphed pictures of Assam and Myanmar violence which sparked an exodus of northeastern citizens from other states originated in Pakistan.
Such remarks only widen the trust deficit between the two countries, sources in the Pakistan High Commission here said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/home-minister-speaks-with-pak-counterpart-on-exodus-issue/

Guwahati, Aug 19 NNN : The Tarun Gogoi government on Sunday has taken up measures to thwart any force that might disrupt peace after the Id. On Sunday, the Assam chief minister while blaming the ‘outside forces in collaboration with certain internal forces’ for the present situation, has asked the top police officers of the state to be on alert always.
Meeting the three former police chiefs and the chief secretary and top administrative and police officials, Tarun Gogoi cautions that the administration should be in full gear to deal any slight trouble which may lead to escalate the situation.
Tarun Gogoi’s move came a day after New Delhi blamed a neighbour’s hand in the problem.
On Saturday, even as there has been exodus of North Easterners from other parts of India, there have been a counter-backlash threat from two Bodo organisations, including a militant outfit.
The pro-talks faction of the militant National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and People’s Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement have vowed that no displaced Muslims will allowed to enter ‘Bodo areas’ again.
However, these two Bodo organisations’s resolution has been not without a condition.
They demanded that the Assam government updates the National Register of Citizens (NRC) first.
Leader of the Bodo militant outfit Gobinda Basumatary said that the migrants will be barred from entering Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) if the government refuses to update NRC by taking 1951 as the cut-off year and detect foreigners.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-govt-steps-up-security-measures/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 19: The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has extended his greetings and good wishes to the citizens of our country on the joyous occasion of Id-ul-Fitr. In his message he has said that this festival signifies the traditional expression of fraternity and brotherhood across the country and marks the culmination of the holy month of ‘Ramzan’. He wishes that this festival may unite all humanity in a common bond of understanding and inspire all to work tirelessly towards building a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous society.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has greeted the nation on the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
In a message, the Prime Minister said that the Festival of Eid is an occasion for happiness and is marked by the spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice. “May Eid this year further strengthen our cultural bonds and bring peace and prosperity to all,” the PM Dr. Singh added.
Governor Gurbhachan Jagat said in a message, “I heartily greet our Muslim brethren and all the people of Manipur on the auspicious and joyous occasion of “Id-ul-Fitr”.
The month-long fasting before this Holy Festival is an exhortation to mankind to perform deeds of high value, because, in doing so, the excellence of our soul is enhanced. The Holy Festival spreads the message of peace, brotherhood and universal love which is the prerequisite during the present period of disarray.
In celebrating a festival like “Id-ul-Fitr” the foundation of oneness gets strengthened and all ill-will is forgotten and forgiven. Human beings inhabit a single planet and the whole world is one famiJy. On this auspicious occasion, as recipients of God’s love, we should resolve to condition our social demeanour so as to preserve and disseminate the message of peace, friendship and universal love.
Chief Minister, O Ibobi said “I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of Manipur, especially our Muslim brethren on the joyous occasion of Id-Ul-Ftr.
Id-Ul-Ftr marks the end of Ramzan. The fasting observed during Ramzan reaffirms the spirit of charity and generosity and highlights the feelings of empathy for the poor and the deprived. May the noble ideals of Id-Ul-Ftr enrich our lives with peace, prosperity and harmony and unite us all in the spirit of universal brotherhood of all humanity.
Major General UK Gurung, YSM, IGAR (South) and all Ranks of Assam Rifles extend very warm greetings and Sincere good will to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of “IDU’L FITR”. May this festival herald an era of peace, progress and prosperity in the region and enhance the spirit of unity, Cohesiveness and brotherhood amongst the warm and friendly people of all the communities in the State of Manipur.
The GOC, Red Shield Division, Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM extended his warm greetings and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur specially the Muslim brethren on the auspicious occasion of “Id-ul-Fitr” and also expressed confidence that this festival would herald in peace and prosperity in the state.
The Revolutionary People’s Front greeted the Muslim brethrens on the eve of the Id festival.
30 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR (S) organised an IFTAAR Party at Chingmeirong on 19 Aug 2012 celebrating the last day of the Holy Ramadan month. Invitees from the varied walk of life joined Muslim brethren in breaking the Ramdhan fast. Commandant 30 Assam Rifles welcomed the guests on behalf of the unit. The Iftaar get-together began with a short recital of verses from the Quran by Kazi of Hazir Leikai Masjid, Kairang and offered ‘Maghrib’ prayers. Speaking on the occasion, Commandant said that the idea of purification and austerity behind the fasting ritual is beyond the folds of Islam. In fact the focus on core values, noble thoughts and good will during the Ramadan month are beyond the religious and the spiritual practices and extended to the idea of universal solidarity and relationship based on peace .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/id-ul-fitr-to-be-celebrated-today/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 18: The BJP, Manipur Pradesh strongly condemned the act of some unknown anti-national forces which threatened the north-eastern people to leave the cities like Pune, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. L. Bashanta Sharma, Secy (Media Affairs) today said the issue was discussed by Sh. Shantikumar Shrama, State President with Nitin Gadkari, National President, BJP and Jadagish Shettar, Chief Minister of Karnataka.
He said the leaders assured that the BJP rule States will take all measures to protect all the North Eastern students and the people of the region. So far the BJP ruled Karnataka government has arrested 23 culprits he said. The Karnataka Government has already opened various helpline to control the situation and to take stern action against the anti-national forces trying to create communal violence in the Country. i R. Ashok, Home Minister of Karnataka personally visited the railway station to stop the people from northeast from leaving the city and made effort to instill confidence in them and appealed the people to stop spreading the rumour he added.
The Central Railway station in the city has been seeing a flow of anxious northeast people desperate to get tickets for their onward journey in spite of assurances of safety and no untoward incident targetting them being reported.
Police said though Tamil Nadu has never seen incidents of violence against people from the North East, reports of incidents and rumours in other states seem to be disturbing their parents back home, who want them to come back.
Mischievous text messages claiming that people from the north-east will be targeted in Delhi, particularly after Ramzan, have started circulating with police today urging the community not to believe in them and stating that adequate security measures have been taken.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/exodus-continues-peace-efforts-on/

Imphal, August 18 NNN: Saying that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been enforced in Manipur since the Centre includes the state in the disturbed area list and the people need to maintain “peace and tranquility” to facilitate the repeal of this military act from the state, stressed Lok Sabha MP from Manipur Dr T Meinya on Saturday.
Meinya was addressing a gathering on the ocassion of the “54th Anniversary of the Indian Parliament Passing the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958″ held at Imphal Hotel .
A serious discussion on all aspects of democracy is required to step up on the demand for revocation of AFSPA from Manipur, the MP suggested and said democracy involves numerous procedures.
Meinya who took part at the observation also released a book entitled “Extra Judicial Executions in Manipur.” He acknowledged the fact that the history of Manipur has a character of losing the track of records and lauded the contents of the book and hailed it as a good work of collection which can be used as a good account.
The Inner Manipur MP said AFSPA has been imposed in the state owing to its disturbed area status and made appeal to all to maintain peace and tranquility to facilitate the repeal of the Act.
At the event, jointly organised by Just Peace Foundation and Civil Society for Human Rights in Manipur And the UN, advocate Khaidem Mani also made speech during a panel discussion held as part of the observation. He alleged that India has a attitude of wanting to subjugate the Northeast.
Mani expressed unhappiness over the alleged colonial democracy practicing in Manipur and said all forms of democratic movements in the state have been shut by the Government even as silent rally is targeted by police resorting to baton charge.
A sense of alienation will spring up among the general public if the military, an organisation meant for war, is used in civilian areas, Mani had his opinion. He insisted that if India ever thinks it wants to exclude Manipur from being a state with a colonial law, AFSPA should be scraped completely from here, even from the country’s Constitution.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/54th-anniversary-of-passing-afspa/

Guwahati, Aug 18 NNN On Saturday, the pro-talks faction of the militant National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) and People’s Joint Action Committee for Bodoland Movement have vowed that no displaced Muslims will allowed to enter ‘Bodo areas’ again.They demanded that the Assam government updates the National Register of Citizens (NRC) first. Leader of the Bodo militant outfit Gobinda Basumatary said that the migrants will be barred from entering Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) if the government refuses to update NRC by taking 1951 as the cut-off year and detect foreigners.
It has been reported that nearly 3 lakh migrants had fled Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of western Assam ever since the clashes broke out in the middle of last month.
It can noted here that the Tarun Gogoi government decided that the state government will send a team consisting of all the parties representatibves to the affected areas especially in Kokrajhar district.
The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has endorsed the move of the apex Naga body.
However, NSF president Kelhouneizo Yhome when contacted by Newmai News Network tonight said that he actually chose to term them as “illegal immigrants” rather than otherwise. the Naga Hoho had said that illegal Bangladeshi immigrants should be flushed from the region by joining and uniting together by all the north eastern states.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bodo-to-push-back-immigrants/

New Delhi Aug 16 (UNA): Nitin Gadkari, National President Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed the crisis of Karnataka in wake of the recent Assam violence is extremely unfortunate, and asked the Congress-led UPA government to take stern action against the anti-national forces trying to created communal violence on Thursday.
While talking to UNA at his office, Gadkari said that the present situation in Assam is due to differences between Indians and foreign nationals.
“I expect the central government will take-up stern action against the anti-national forces. Who want to destabilize India and create complications and spoil the law and order situation in the country,” said Gadkari.
Gadkari said that he has discussed the present situation in Karnataka with Chief Minister of Karnataka, Jagadish Shettar, and assured that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state will take all measures to protect all northeast students.
“Not a single incident has happened there, but because of the fear a lot of northeast students are leaving Karnataka, Hyderabad. I have already discussed this issue with my chief minister.
We will protect all the northeast students and citizens and our government will take extra measures for that,” added Gadkari.
Gadkari further mentioned that the BJP would raise this issue in both houses of Parliament, and also convey its feelings to Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde over the matter.
“Already, the leaders of opposition in both the houses are taking this issue very seriously. They will take this subject in the houses of Parliament, and will also convey our feeling to the Home Minister and the Prime Minister,” he said.
Union Home Secretary RK Singh earlier this morning said that there has been no untoward incident in Karnataka, and appealed the people to stop spreading rumours.
Singh emphasized that people from the North Eastern states are not facing problems in any region of the country, and added that the ongoing rumour in Karnataka has to be stopped.
“There has been no incident in Karnataka. I have been speaking to the Chief Secretary and the DGP. These are just rumours and people need to discount rumours. There has been no incident,” said Singh.
Singh informed that Karnataka Home Minister R. Ashok himself went to the railway station to stop the people from the North Eastern states from leaving the city and made efforts to instil confidence in them.
The Prime Minister earlier spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister, Jagadish Shettar on the issue of providing security to people from North Eastern states staying in Karnataka.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gadkari-assures-safety-of-northeast-people/

New Delhi Aug 16 (UNA): Nitin Gadkari, National President Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed the crisis of Karnataka in wake of the recent Assam violence is extremely unfortunate, and asked the Congress-led UPA government to take stern action against the anti-national forces trying to created communal violence on Thursday.
While talking to UNA at his office, Gadkari said that the present situation in Assam is due to differences between Indians and foreign nationals.
“I expect the central government will take-up stern action against the anti-national forces. Who want to destabilize India and create complications and spoil the law and order situation in the country,” said Gadkari.
Gadkari said that he has discussed the present situation in Karnataka with Chief Minister of Karnataka, Jagadish Shettar, and assured that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state will take all measures to protect all northeast students.
“Not a single incident has happened there, but because of the fear a lot of northeast students are leaving Karnataka, Hyderabad. I have already discussed this issue with my chief minister.
We will protect all the northeast students and citizens and our government will take extra measures for that,” added Gadkari.
Gadkari further mentioned that the BJP would raise this issue in both houses of Parliament, and also convey its feelings to Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde over the matter.
“Already, the leaders of opposition in both the houses are taking this issue very seriously. They will take this subject in the houses of Parliament, and will also convey our feeling to the Home Minister and the Prime Minister,” he said.
Union Home Secretary RK Singh earlier this morning said that there has been no untoward incident in Karnataka, and appealed the people to stop spreading rumours.
Singh emphasized that people from the North Eastern states are not facing problems in any region of the country, and added that the ongoing rumour in Karnataka has to be stopped.
“There has been no incident in Karnataka. I have been speaking to the Chief Secretary and the DGP. These are just rumours and people need to discount rumours. There has been no incident,” said Singh.
Singh informed that Karnataka Home Minister R. Ashok himself went to the railway station to stop the people from the North Eastern states from leaving the city and made efforts to instil confidence in them.
The Prime Minister earlier spoke to Karnataka Chief Minister, Jagadish Shettar on the issue of providing security to people from North Eastern states staying in Karnataka.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gadkari-assures-safety-of-northeast-people/

Aizawl, Aug 14 NNN: After the success of several trials, the much-awaited Mizoram helicopter service was officially launched today by state chief minister Lal Thanhawla at the short and impressive inauguration programme held at Thuampui helipad here.
In his inaugural speech, chief minister Lal Thanhawla spoke of the necessity of the chopper service for a place like Mizoram which still lacks in proper infrastructure, transport and communication system as the state being situated in remote hilly areas. The helicopter service will not only help the VIPs, but will very much help the common people especially in time of emergency, he stated. “It is indeed a joyous moment for all of us here that helicopter service has been launched in Mizoram,” the beaming Mizo chief minister said.
The permission to use the helipads under military administration in the 1990s given to Mizoram government by the then GOC-in-C, Eastern Command is still in effect, the chief minister disclosed.
While wishing for the successful operation of the chopper service, Lal Thanhawla said that safety of the passengers as well as the flight is what is most concerned for.
Pawan Hans managing director Mr.M.P Singh affirms that the best possible service will be rendered for the people of Mizoram, adding that the same service is rendered in Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
As mentioned earlier, the helicopter will be in service to nine different places of Mizoram from its main centre Aizawl. Wet leasing of the helicopter for one year is Rs. 1308 lakhs, of which 25% (Rs.327 lakhs) will be given by Mizoram government, and the rest 75% (Rs.981 lakhs) is to be given by the Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India.
The helicopter service, although it has the capacity of 11 passengers, will be allowed to carry only 6 passengers at a time, since Mizoram is located at a very high altitude from the sea level.
Meanwhile, the chopper service inauguration programme today was presided over by state chief secretary Van Hela Pachuau. Ministers, the state assembly speaker, deputy speaker, MLAs, and other officials attended the launching programme.
After the inauguration programme, the inaugural flight was flagged off with chief minister Lal Thanhawla and his wife, state home minister R.Lalzirliana and his wife, Vice Chairman, HPC Lunglei Joseph Lalhimpuia and MP Singh, MD, Pawan Hans on board. The chopper landed at Lunglei and then flew back to Thuampui helipad.
As has been reported earlier, passenger service will formally start from August 16.
The helicopter service will function under the supervision of Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd.; and the helicopter which will be in service is ‘Dauphin Helicopter’.
One ticket will cost Rs.50 per minute. As of now, 9 routes have been arranged for the service, with Aizawl Thuampui Helipad being the “Main Operational Hub’, from where it will render service to Saiha (50 minutes), Lawngtlai (50), Champhai (25), Khawzawl (20), Lunglei (30), Kamlanagar (45), Hnahthial (30), Serchhip (17) and Kolasib (15).
As per schedule, the chopper will render service for 6 days in a week. Ticket will be available at the deputy commissioner offices in the eight districts of Mizoram.
Since safety is the main concern, security duty and fire service will be provided at each helipad. The concerned deputy commissioners are directed to construct ‘temporary waiting sheds’ for use in time of need.The helicopters can be hired or chartered personally, for which the rate will be Rs.70,000 per hour, waiting charge free up to 45 minutes but if it crosses the limit the waiting charge will be Rs. 10,000 for every 30 minutes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-helicopter-service-launched/

Imphal, August 14 NNN: The Joint Students Co-ordination Committee has strongly urged both the state Government of Manipur and Central Government for timely intervention in the Pune incidents where Manipuri students are being beaten up by local residents.
Joint Students Co-ordination Committee member Angamba Meitei made the appeal at a press meet at the office of Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) here. Khongdram Premananda, one of the victims of the Pune incidents, was also present at the press meet.
Angamba said the student committee condemns the act of racial profiling of the Northeast students in Pune and that such incidents are occurring despite the recent insurance given by the Home Minister that such discrimination would not repeat anywhere in the country.
The Government of Maharashtra needs to take up stern action to stop the crime, he said.
Premananda said some persons thrashed him at the basketball ground of Pune College of Arts/Science, Anjuman Khairun on August 8. He is a standard twelve student of the college.
The assailants started beating him after showing video clippings of Assam communal violence asking him whether he was an Assamese or Myanmarese, Premananda told the press meet.
He got another beating at a bus stand and later on his way to Ramtikri where he stayed in a rented house, Premananda was thrashed by another group of local residents using sticks and iron rods on the night of August 11. But, they freed him after he showed his identity card to them. He had suffered several cuts in the incident.
The college has been closed after the incident, he further said and appealed to all concerned to take up measures to prevent from such incident in future.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/students-protest-pune-incidents/

Dimapur, Aug 13 NNN: The NSCN faction headed by Kitovi and Khole (NSCN-Kitovi/Khole) said political observers both young and old in Nagaland and in mainland India and perhaps Naga sympathizers elsewhere must be perplexed and astonished at the manner Nagaland government and some Hoho leaders are eulogizing the new political conundrum called the Alternative Arrangement, which is clearly limited to the Naga areas of Manipur. “Is the Indo-Naga political issue a demand for Alternative arrangement?,” it asks. Yes, according Joint Legislative Forum (JLF) resolution 4 adopted on July 19 and also Nagaland Home Minster’s comment on August 2, stated the NSCN-Kitovi/Khole group.
“Naga ancestral land, be it in Burma, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam or Manipur, will always belong to the Naga people yet it is undeniable that in the last sixty years different political establishments and boundaries have been created without the consent of the Nagas which has taken deep roots.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-on-aa/

Dimapur/Imphal, Aug 13: Chief minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh have taken up steps for the security of their respective state students in Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore following the series of attacks on the people of the North East region in Pune, Mumbai and elsewhere.
On Sunday, Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh had spoken to his Maharashtra counter parts for providing security to the students of Manipur while Monday, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio wrote to Union Home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on the reports of students and people belonging to the north eastern region having been attacked in certain parts of the country including Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore etc.
Neiphiu rio’s letter to Sushil Kumar Shinde states, “I write this letter to you to express our serious concern at the reports of students and people belonging to the north eastern region having been attacked in certain parts of the country, including Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore etc. We have also received reports that some people from Nagaland have been asked by their landlords to vacate their rented premises on the fear that people from the North East Region are likely to be targeted by some groups of people who are aggrieved by the recent communal violence in lower parts of Assam. This situation has created an air of apprehension in the minds of the people of the North East now living in various parts of the mainland, and also amongst the people here. It goes without saying that there are bound to be undesirable repercussions if the situation is not handled in an urgent and firm manner, so as to reassure the safety of the people of North East and to maintain communal harmony and peaceful situation in the country.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ibobi-rio-appeal-to-protect-ne-citizens/

Dimapur, Aug 13 NNN : The NSCN group headed by S.S Khaplang is dismayed at the “immature and one sided decision” of the Joint Legislators Forum (JLF) of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) leaving out the other Naga political groups and going by the NSCN (IM) solution and not Naga solution.
“It is expected of the highly respected elected people’s representatives (MLAs) to go by the peoples mandate and not by a factional solution which is detrimental and will further create a rift between the different Naga political groups instead of bringing much coveted solution as they claimed for,” the NSCN-K said today.
The NSCN-K then said the outfit would like to ask the much adore leaders as to how much they have consulted other factions and its leaders before taking such a step which involves the world’s longest running conflict. The legislators are also expected not to favour any faction but to take into confidence all the parties involved as all the Naga political groups (factions) who are fighting for the same goal of Naga sovereignty which is equally dear to every Naga, the NSCN group led by S.S Khaplang added. It then stated, on its part, the NSCN K under no circumstances will be a part of any solution coming out of the 60 Legislatures so-called paving a way for solution for any sort of so-called interim arrangement sought by the legislators from New Delhi recently as reported in the media. Moreover, the NSCN under the leadership of S S. Khaplang will never accept anything less than sovereignty as stated by its chairman recently and will reject any solution other than sovereignty solution, the outfit affirmed.
“Further, Eastern Naga National Workers Association (ENNWA) questions the wisdom of the 20 elected members from the Eastern Nagaland in taking part in the wrong and biased decision basing on just one faction interests leaving aside the views and opinions of NSCN K.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-k-unhappy-as-jlf-toying-nscn-im-line/