Team Anna’s promise of Lokpal ill goes in vain?

Amit Shankar New Delhi , Aug 6 (ANI): Has Team Anna, which united the whole nation in the fight against corruption, given up its mission for a strong Lokpal Bill by deciding to disband itself? There seems to be rumor going around after veteran social activist Anna Hazare, considered to be the ‘Mahatma’ of this […]

Amit Shankar
New Delhi , Aug 6 (ANI): Has Team Anna, which united the whole nation in the fight against corruption, given up its mission for a strong Lokpal Bill by deciding to disband itself?
There seems to be rumor going around after veteran social activist Anna Hazare, considered to be the ‘Mahatma’ of this core group, announced the disbandment in his blog, without clearly specifying whether Team Anna is forming a political party.
“We are now stopping the activities of Team Anna today. Team Anna was formed to fight for the Jan Lokpal Bill. We have also decided not to have any more talks with the government. From today, there will be no Team Anna, or Team Anna Core Committee,” Hazare said in his blog. “The government is not ready to enact the Jan Lokpal Bill. How long and how many times we will go on fast? Now, people have asked us to abandon the process of fasting and give an alternative. I also thought that the government is not going to curb corruption,” he added.
Hazare also revealed in his blog that over Rs. 10 to 15 crores is required to contest elections, and asked from where so much money would come so that the people of the country can be provided with a political alternative.
The dissolution of Team Anna came three days after it ended its indefinite fast at the Jantar Mantar here with an announcement of forming a political alternative.
Hazare has said he will not run for office, but will support his aides who want to contest elections.
The government has hit back at Team Anna, accusing it of always being power-hungry, and urged it to contest elections to prove their claim of representing the will of the people.
The standoff between the UPA and Team Anna intensified after the latter demanded the setting up of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of retired judges of Supreme and High Courts, to probe charges of corruption against 15 cabinet ministers, including Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Union Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid on Monday said the Central Government could do nothing if Team Anna has decided not to hold talks with it.
Khurshid said the ruling UPA Government had made several attempts to hold talks with civil society activists.
“If they don’t want to talk, what can I do? We made several attempts to hold talks. Talks were also held. And then you (mediapersons) asked what was the conversation all about,” he said. Anna today disbanded itself and decided not to have any more talks with the government on Lokpal issue.
The dissolution of Anna Hazare’s team came three days after it ended its indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar here with plans for formation of a political alternative to fight the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
“The government is not ready to enact Jan Lokpal Bill. How long and how many times we will go on fast? Now people have asked us to leave fast and give an alternative. I also thought that the government is not going to curb corruption. We are now stopping the activities of Team Anna today,” Hazare said in his blog.
“Team Anna was formed to fight for Jan Lokpal. We have also decided not to have any more talks with the government. From today, there will be no Team Anna or Team Anna Core Committee,” he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/team-annas-promise-of-lokpal-ill-goes-in-vain/

NSCN warns New Delhi

Dimapur, Aug 5: As the media hype climaxes over the possible settlement of the vexed Naga political solution, there is also equally the complexities arise with more and more Naga underground organisations throwing up serious questions before the much said ‘Naga interim solution’. On Sunday, the NSCN group led by Khole and Kitovi has alerted […]

Dimapur, Aug 5: As the media hype climaxes over the possible settlement of the vexed Naga political solution, there is also equally the complexities arise with more and more Naga underground organisations throwing up serious questions before the much said ‘Naga interim solution’.
On Sunday, the NSCN group led by Khole and Kitovi has alerted New Delhi that signing of agreement with only a single Naga underground group will create further trouble.
Today’s statement of the Khole and Kitovi group came few days after another NSCN group headed by S.S Khaplang had given an “official declaration” his outfit will not accept less than anything that is Naga sovereignty.
These contradictory stands of the various Naga organisations came amid the hectic campaigns by to NSCN-IM brass in New Delhi currently with both the outfit and the government of India say they have reached ‘a sensitive and crucial stage’ of the dialogue.
In a statement made available to Newmai News Network by the NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) group today, the outfit said, “The Government of India (GOI) is reminded that a solution with a single group will drive the Nagas away further because unapproved political documents in the past that insulted Naga history were outrightly rejected by the Nagas. Solution to the Indo-Naga Political problem without the consent of the Nagas has no political validity. Revolutionaries never fail to rise to the occasion. It would be wise on the part of Nagaland legislators to tell the Naga people if the noble assurance to step down from power is based on the principle of Naga concordant signed by top leaders of three Naga political groups in Aug. 26, 2011, organised by the FNR. It is a tremendous decision on the part of Naga legislators in the state of Nagaland to step down in the event of a political solution with the government of India. It is however a futile exercise if a genuine broad based political solution is not found. Naga legislators in Manipur should also follow the same example if Alternative Political Arrangement for Nagas in Manipur is achieved.
GPRN/NSCN (NSCN-Khole-Kitovi) appeals to Hoho and civil society leaders to air their political views with wisdom and sagacity. Prejudiced views and actions only invite dark clouds to gather silently over the horizon in Nagaland. A leader’s wrong step could kill a thousand. GPRN/NSCN believes there is a plethora of young Naga social and political thinkers and nation builders, who must eventually question the wisdom of a single political party seeking a political solution for the Nagas and whether it can ensure peace among the Nagas. Ceasefire with GOI is in operation with others as well. Sovereignty and independence is so dear to the Nagas and therefore any political solution between GOI and Nagas must be agreeable to the Nagas. The solidarity of other peoples and nations is important, yet GPRN/NSCN is fully convinced that unity and understanding among the Nagas is the only way to build a safe and prosperous Nagaland.”
It stated that this statement is issued to tell every single Naga, be it a simple village farmer, housewife, student, teacher, social activist, preacher, businessman, a government servant, doctor, engineer, bureaucrat or a politician, or any organisation be it a tribal hoho, civil society, NGO, student body at all levels, that undeniably a seed of fresh conflict among the Nagas is on offer and being advertised randomly through the media endorsed by groups and individuals, without assessing the immediate and long term consequences and misfortunes staring at the Naga people and history in the event of one single political group and the GOI entering into a political agreement on behalf of all Nagas. This is the time to awaken the spirit of freedom and oneness among the Nagas.
“The Naga Concordant Aug. 26, 2011 read thus: ‘Having reconciled on the basis of the historical and political rights, the top Naga leaders have agreed that Nagas are one. Therefore in pursuance of this agreement, the following signatories have resolved in principle to work towards the formation of one Naga national government.
To ensure realization of the Naga national government, a high level commission (HLC) has been formed by the top Naga leaders. The High Level Commission shall be comprised of the signatories, headed by either the Chairman/President or the General Secretary/Vice President, and having no less than four competent members in the rank of Kilonser/major General and above, as found deemed fit by the respective governments.
To expedite this process of eventually forming the Naga National Government, The High Level Commission shall hold meetings without any further delay in the presence of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation as facilitators.’ (Signed by Six top Leaders),” the Khole-Kitovi group stated.
It then asks, “Is New Delhi aware of what pledge Naga people took last year? Are Mr. Isak Chishi Swu and Mr. Th. Muivah aware of their signatures? Nothing is more unfortunate than wilfully discarding a historic decision firmly endorsed and approved by every single Naga with fervent prayer.
GPRN/NSCN has been a silent spectator in recent times observing the brouhaha over alternative political arrangement, interim political body, present state government’s position and so on. The Alternative Political Arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur is well deserved and GPRN/NSCN under the leadership of President Gen. (Retd) Khole Konyak and Ato Kilonser N. Kitovi Zhimomi has declared their solidarity with the Naga brethren in the state of Manipur. Clearly the Alternative Political Arrangement will not cover the present state of Nagaland or Naga areas in Assam or Arunachal Pradesh. It would be a violation of trust and support of Naga people if it extends beyond Naga areas in Manipur”.
The outfit also said it is not a rocket science but a simple political logic that the question of interim government, anywhere in the world, arise only after all contentious issues among the members of non-state actors are ironed out through high level committees, commissions and various apolitical and non-partisan forums. The recurrence of violence and bloodshed post solution is more dangerous because everything is at a transitional period. “A 60 year old Indo-Naga political problem and its solution demands Naga people’s participation with clear vision and direction. If the reported political solution between GOI and IM, is truly a cherished Naga sovereignty and independence, even an orphan whose parents were killed by IM will nod in agreement and maybe live in peace. However, an exclusive and isolated political solution, terminating Naga aspiration, discarding all documented reconciliation process among the political groups in recent times, is a disturbing political step. None should attempt to decorate oneself with medals and trophies clearly knowing such political moves brought untold misery and suffering into Nagaland in the past,” the NSCN-Khole-Kitovi stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-warns-new-delhi/

Bairabi-Sairang Rly construction unlikely to complete by 2014’

Aizawl, Aug 5 NNN : Due to the demand of huge compensation the construction of the Bairabi-Sairang Railway line will not be able to complete within the set time. It was planned to complete by 2014. Mizoram Chief Minister who is also the president of Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Lalthanhawla said, “Although it is […]

Aizawl, Aug 5 NNN : Due to the demand of huge compensation the construction of the Bairabi-Sairang Railway line will not be able to complete within the set time.
It was planned to complete by 2014.
Mizoram Chief Minister who is also the president of Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Lalthanhawla said, “Although it is has been planned, it is very unlikely that the construction of Bairabi-Sairang Railway be completed by 2014.”
“Because of the selfish people who expect huge compensation, there is problem in executing the work, and accordingly the time for completion seems very much to be delayed”, the Chief Minister said.
In his speech at MPCC political session at Congress Bhavan yesterday, Lalthanhawla rapped the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) party, saying that, the distribution of small quantity of charcoal by MNF youths amidst gas crisis was but bringing dishonour to their leaders. “They (MNF youths) thought that they put shame on the Congress government, but they actually brought shame and dishonour upon their leaders” Lalthanhawla said.
Lalthanhawla also said that, most number of actions against government workers have been taken under the Congress government. “This shows that the Congress Ministry is free from corruption, and therefore dares to punish the corrupt, which is a matter to be proud of,” the chief minister added.
Regarding the just concluded Assembly session, Lalthanhawla said the session was held in a very fair and peaceful manner. “It was an exemplary one indeed, owing to the good conduct of the members and the excellent supervision of the Speaker”, Lalthanhawla added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bairabi-sairang-rly-construction-unlikely-to-complete-by-2014/

GNLA may hold talks with govt

Shillong, Aug 5 NNN: There is a possibility that the chairman of Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) supremo Champion R Sangma would propose a “pro-talk” with the state government. It can be noted that on July 30 last, Champion Sangma, the police officer-turned-militant, was arrested by the state police along the International Indo-Bangladesh border, hours […]

Shillong, Aug 5 NNN: There is a possibility that the chairman of Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) supremo Champion R Sangma would propose a “pro-talk” with the state government.
It can be noted that on July 30 last, Champion Sangma, the police officer-turned-militant, was arrested by the state police along the International Indo-Bangladesh border, hours after he was pushed by Bangladesh security forces. Soon after his arrest, Champion was remanded to 15 days police custody by the judicial court.
“Champion has asked me to also discuss with him thoroughly about the possibilities of a pro-talk”, Champion’s official lawyer Sujit Dey told a group of reporters in Shillong.
Yesterday, Sujit Dey who has been appointed by the family of Champion as his official lawyer has visited him (Champion) and had a one hour talk with the chief of GNLA.Further asked on the ‘pro talk’, Dey said, “There is possibility for negotiation with the State”.
This assume significance in light of the fact that the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) fighting for a separate Garo land has under taken to arm struggle and is still considered active in the Garo hills region while, its Commander –in –Chief (C-in-C) Sohan Shira is still at large and is involved in a reign of terror is Garo hills region of the State.
While, the State as well as the Central government has always maintained that possibility of any negotiation with GNLA is ruled out until they give up arms.
Dey also refuted media reports in a section of news paper “that Champion is treated like a king”- this is totally false- the advocate said. “I met him he is looking healthy and he has been given the facilities by the detaining authority as per the Constitution”.
He informed that a case no 25(7) 2012 u/s 120, 120(B) 120 (A) 121 IPC r/w section 16.38 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act has been registered at Pynursla P S on August 3, 2012.
Asked what would be his course of action, the advocate said “tomorrow I shall apply for a certified copy from Additional Deputy Commissioner (judicial) after getting permission from Court and on receiving the papers I shall be in a better position to understand the merit of allegation as leveled against him” adding “no one is a criminal until proven beyond reasonable doubt by the State”-
He also said “I shall seek record of his service from the department” Champion Sangma was serving in the Police department as a DSP till he deserted police service to float the militant outfit in 2010.
He also said, “I will give my best to defend him and the State shall also try their best to prove the allegations, the charges filed are non- bailable and very serious charges”.
Asked if he will move for a bail the counsel for Champion said “after studying the case paper if it is found proper I shall move for bail and is entirely at the discretion of the Court”.
He also informed, “Champion Sangma has told me to seek for information’s on the number of cases pending in different police station and under what provisions of law he is being alleged in those cases and also to see if all these cases can be transferred to one place or even out of state to make it easier for me”.
Mentionably, Champion had co-founded the GNLA along with Sohan D Shira, the commander-in-chief of the outfit which is active in three western Garo Hills districts in Meghalaya.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gnla-may-hold-talks-with-govt/

BJP National President arriving

on August 22 Imphal August 04 UNA : BJP National President, Nitin Gadkari will be arriving here in Imphal on 22nd August to attend the grand reception of around 25,000 people including 25 prominent persons who had newly joined the BJP Manipur Pradesh said P. Chandrashekher Rao, Zonal organisation secretary, NE states BJP on Saturday. […]

on August 22
Imphal August 04 UNA : BJP National President, Nitin Gadkari will be arriving here in Imphal on 22nd August to attend the grand reception of around 25,000 people including 25 prominent persons who had newly joined the BJP Manipur Pradesh said P. Chandrashekher Rao, Zonal organisation secretary, NE states BJP on Saturday.
P. Chandrashekher Rao who arrives here in Imphal today to look after the background preparation of the BJP Manipur Pradesh, ahead of Nitin Gadkari, visit, was talking to the UNA in the sideline after the meeting with state BJP leaders this afternoon.
BJP National President, Nitin Gadkari, visit will be of one day only on 22 August for the grand reception programme which will be held at the BJP office complex, Nityaipat Chuthek, said Zonal organisation secretary.
For the grand reception, two committee bodies has been form today, one is called Organisation committee and will be headed by S.Rajen Singh ex-minister and the other one is Mobilization committee which will be led by M.Bhorot ex-MLA, it also includes those prominent persons who newly joined BJP in the mobilization committee.
BJP will contact all non-congress political leaders in all the 60 assembly constituency of the state before 2014 to join BJP and will form village committee at the maximum, verses against the congress said Rao.
Enrolment to the BJP will be ended on 10 August and we are expecting around 25,225 people from different part of the state.
P.Chandrashekher Rao will visit New Delhi on 06 August and give the details of the preparation of the state to Nitin Gadkari. O.Malesh Singh who contested last 10th assembly election in CPI ticket joined BJP yesterday evening said a source from BJP.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bjp-national-president-arriving/

Mizoram receives Tata memorial award

Aizawl, Aug 3 NNN: Mizoram received the 5th JRD Tata Memorial Award for outstanding performance in improving the health of their people for the year 2011. While Mizoram was selected from among 18 high-focus states, defined under the National Rural Health Mission as states with poor health indicators and weak infrastructure, Goa led from among […]

Aizawl, Aug 3 NNN: Mizoram received the 5th JRD Tata Memorial Award for outstanding performance in improving the health of their people for the year 2011.
While Mizoram was selected from among 18 high-focus states, defined under the National Rural Health Mission as states with poor health indicators and weak infrastructure, Goa led from among the non-high-focus states.
The award was instituted in memory of Population Foundation of India, Founder Chairman JRD Tata, recognizes the pace of progress by states and districts on population and reproductive health programmes.
Nobel Laureate and renowned economist Prof Amartya Sen presented the award to senior Ministers and District Collectors from the award-winning States and districts at the JRD Tata Memorial Oration and Awards ceremony on July 31 in New Delhi, a delayed report from Delhi said.
Mr Lalrinliana Sailo, Mizoram minister for Health and Family Welfare accepted the trophy and Rs 10 lakh on behalf of Mizoram state government. 
The prize money is to be spent on strengthening the work of NGOs working on reproductive health and family planning programmes.
The ceremony also marked the completion of 40 years of Population Foundation Of India (PFI’s) commitment to improving the health and well being of Indian families in unserved and underserved areas.
PFI had set up a high-level technical committee chaired by Prof PM Kulkarni of the Jawaharlal Nehru University to select the winners.
The committee had identified a set of 13 indicators on reproductive health, gender equity, family planning and housing amenities to measure the progress of the districts in the country.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-receives-tata-memorial-award/

Kuki Inpi urges President to help displaces Kuki

The Kuki Inpi has submitted a memorandum to the president Pranab Mukherjee informing him that United Naga Council served Quit Notice to all Kukis on October 22, 1992 and the NSCN(I-M) have carried out the warning, murdered 900 Kukis, uprooting 360 villages, displacing over 100,000 Kukis still scattered in towns, cities etc. Kuki Inpi’s repeated […]

The Kuki Inpi has submitted a memorandum to the president Pranab Mukherjee informing him that United Naga Council served Quit Notice to all Kukis on October 22, 1992 and the NSCN(I-M) have carried out the warning, murdered 900 Kukis, uprooting 360 villages, displacing over 100,000 Kukis still scattered in towns, cities etc.
Kuki Inpi’s repeated appeal have fallen on deaf ears and it said it will never accept any kind of agreement possibly signed by Govt. of India and NSCN(I-M) if the crimes committed against Kukis is not settled first.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kuki-inpi-urges-president-to-help-displaces-kuki/

New Muslim outfit formed

Guwahati, Aug 2 NNN: A new Muslim militant outfit has been floated in Assam with its agenda to have a separate administrative area for the Muslims in Assam consisting of 13 districts with four in Bodo Territorial Council (BTC), a well placed source informed in Guwahati on Wednesday. This outfit is suspected by the intelligence […]

Guwahati, Aug 2 NNN: A new Muslim militant outfit has been floated in Assam with its agenda to have a separate administrative area for the Muslims in Assam consisting of 13 districts with four in Bodo Territorial Council (BTC), a well placed source informed in Guwahati on Wednesday.
This outfit is suspected by the intelligence officials of involving in the present ethnic clashes between the Bodos and the Muslims.However, it is still a blame game now among the organisations and political parties in Assam in connection with the communal clashes in Assam’s Kokrajhar district.
But the police intelligence suspected that a newly floated Muslim militant outfit could be behind the ethnic escalation.
Over 60 people have been killed and nearly 5 lakh people are affected by the clashes in western Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
Reports have it that intelligence officials suspected the United Muslim National Army (UMNA) for inciting the clash.
A Bodo organisation formed by former militants too claimed that the UMNA had planned the violence.
Police in Bodo Territorial Council (BTC) said the United Muslim National Army UMNA was formed on June 15 in an aim to push for a separate administrative area for Muslims comprising 13 districts of Assam that includes four under BTC.
Janomohan Muchahary who is the secretary of All Ex-Bodo Territorial Liberation Tigers Welfare Society said that the violent incidents began on July 19 when miscreants fired at two persons at Magurmari in Kokrajhar district. One of the injured was Mohibur Islam, the chairman of UMNA.
The former BLT leader said Mohibur Islam was a known anti-social element who was discharged from the local police force. Muchahary then alleged Mohibur led 25 motorcycle-borne UMLA members who attacked Bodos on the following day to incite the communal clashes.However, the All Assam Minority Students’ Union blamed the BTC chief executive member Hagrama Mohilary instead for the clashes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/new-muslim-outfit-formed/

Assistant manager UICL arrested

Mail News Service New Delhi, Aug 2 :The Special Judge for CBI cases, Chennai has convicted. T. L. Vedachalam, the then Assistant Manager of United India Insurance Company Ltd. and three private persons i.e. M. Malyadri, Lella V. Nehru & P.V. Subbaiah and sentenced them to undergo one year Rigorous Imprisonment with total fine of […]

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 2 :The Special Judge for CBI cases, Chennai has convicted. T. L. Vedachalam, the then Assistant Manager of United India Insurance Company Ltd. and three private persons i.e. M. Malyadri, Lella V. Nehru & P.V. Subbaiah and sentenced them to undergo one year Rigorous Imprisonment with total fine of Rs.12,000/- for causing loss of Rs.1.52 lakhs(Approx.) to United Insurance Company Ltd.
A case was registered on 30.04.2002 against Sh. T. L. Vedachalam, Assistant Manager, United India Insurance Company Ltd, Division XI, Chennai; . M. Malyadri, Lorry Operator; Lella V Nehru, Insurance Surveyor; . P. V. Subbaiah & others alleging that during the year 2000, the said accused persons entered into a criminal conspiracy at Chennai, Vijayawada and other places to cheat United Insurance Company. In pursuance of the said conspiracy, M. Malyadri; Lella V Nehru; & P. V. Subbaiah & others fraudulently prepared a false motor accident claim with false particulars for two vehicles which had not met with any accident. Further, they also prepared bogus survey reports, cash & credit bills for Rs.91,500/- & Rs.61,000/- respectively and submitted the same to the United India Insurance Company Ltd. In pursuance of the conspiracy, Sh. T. L. Vedachalam, the then Assistant Manager knowing fully well about the false nature of claims processed & recommended the false claims without verifying the genuineness of the claims, as a result of which, the claims were passed.
Thus, the accused persons caused a wrongful loss of Rs.1,52,500/- (approx) to United India Insurance Company Ltd. and a corresponding wrongful gain for themselves.
After completion of investigation, two chargsheets were filed before the Special Judge for CBI Cases, Chennai U/s 120-B r/w 420, 468, 468, r/w 471 & Section 13(2) r/w 13(1) (d) of PC Act, 1988.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assistant-manager-uicl-arrested/

India is the Second-Largest Mobile Phone user in World

MNS:- India is the second-largest mobile phone user with over 900 million users in the world. It accounted for over 10% of the world’s online population in 2011. This was stated by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare in London today. Addressing the seminar on “The Role of Health Informatics […]

MNS:- India is the second-largest mobile phone user with over 900 million users in the world. It accounted for over 10% of the world’s online population in 2011. This was stated by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare in London today.
Addressing the seminar on “The Role of Health Informatics – How Health is making difference to ordinary people in India” at Healthcare & Life Sciences Global Business Summit, Shri Azad said that mobile telecommunications have seen tremendous growth in India. This growth has been inclusive with benefits accruing to the poorest households in the remotest regions of the country. In 2011 alone, 142 million mobile-cellular subscriptions were added in India, twice as many as in the whole of Africa, and more than in the Arab States, CIS and Europe put together. The mobile tariffs in India have become among the lowest in the world. A new mobile connection can be activated with a monthly commitment of 15 cents only.
Recognizing the potential to reach out to people, especially those living in remote areas and adolescents he said that Government of India has recently taken steps to integrate and enhance existing Health related – IT enabled Systems. A name, address and telephone based Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS) is a new initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and is one of the excellent examples of leveraging Information Technology for ensuring delivery of full spectrum of healthcare and immunization services to pregnant women and children up to 5 years of age. This system is aimed at generating a data bank to validate delivery of services, ensuring ante-natal, intra-natal and post-natal checkups, nursing universal immunization, ensuring quality service delivery, micro planning. These initiatives will have a positive impact on important health indicators like Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR).
Shri Azad said that that Mother & Child Tracking System employs mobile-based SMS technology to communicate with grass roots level health care services providers, health and family welfare policy makers, health managers and health administrators at different tiers of the health care delivery system. This tracking system has ‘pull’ features making it very user friendly.
A pregnant woman registered in MCTS can use the MCTS interface to know which of the scheduled services she has received and which of the maternal care services she still requires. Similarly, parents of a child can get information about vaccines the child has already received and details of the vaccinations due. 25.2 million pregnant women and 18.3 million children have been registered in MCTS since its inception in 2010. In the current year (2012-13) alone, 3.8 million pregnant women and 2.2 million children have been registered.
One example of effective use of mobile technology is using SMS to communicate with the 3.2 million Central Government Health Services (CGHS) beneficiaries spread across India. These beneficiaries are patients who come to the CGHS Wellness Centres for consultation and getting medicines for treatment. Under the aegis of the National Rural Health Mission, mobile telephone based systems are being increasingly used for managing health information systems.
Besides the above initiatives, the Government of India is planning a mobile based information dissemination programme. Through this initiative, health promotion messages could be sent out as and when required for maternal & child health, nutrition for children, adolescent health and population stabilisation, tobacco control, information on non-communicable diseases & healthy lifestyle and HIV/AIDS.
Shri Azad said that through these efforts, our major policy objective is to reposition the mobile phone from a mere communication device to an instrument of empowerment and use it to help take health care services at the doorstep of ordinary people. He hoped that these meetings will highlight the importance of the health sector and enable global health leaders to benefit from opportunities for collaboration and develop meaningful partnerships to improve upon health care delivery.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/india-is-the-second-largest-mobile-phone-user-in-world/

Thoubal District Receives The J.r.d. Tata Memorial Award

Manipur Information Centre NEW DELHI Aug 2 Thoubal District was among six districts which received the 5th JRD Tata Memorial Award at a solemn function held at Indian Habitat Centre here recently for outstanding performance in improving the health of their people in recent past. The Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal District K. Radhakumar received the […]

Manipur Information Centre
NEW DELHI Aug 2
Thoubal District was among six districts which received the 5th JRD Tata Memorial Award at a solemn function held at Indian Habitat Centre here recently for outstanding performance in improving the health of their people in recent past. The Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal District K. Radhakumar received the award instituted by the Population Foundation of India, New Delhi from the Nobel Laureate and renowned economist Prof. Amartya Sen.
Two states – Mizoram and Goa also received the 5th JRD Tata Memorial Award in the State category. While Mizoram was selected from among 18 high-focus states, defined under the National Rural Health Mission as states with poor health indicators and weak infrastructure, Goa lead from among the non high-focus states.
The districts – Varanasi from Uttar Pradesh, Jajpur from Odisha and Thoubal from Manipur, were selected among high-focus states in the large, medium and small population categories respectively; and Ahmadnagar in Maharashtra, Firozpur in Punjab and North Goa in Goa from the non high-focus states in the large, medium and small population categories. The award, instituted by the Population Foundation of India (PFI), in memory of its Founder Chairman JRD Tata, recognizes the pace of progress by states and districts on population and reproductive health programmes.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/thoubal-district-receives-the-j-r-d-tata-memorial-award/

Helicopter Service in Mizoram

Aizawl, Aug 2 NNN: Mizoram will have helicopter service very soon. In connection with this, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla along with the concerned officials today discussed on and prepared the programme of inauguration of helicopter service in Mizoram. The maiden service of the helicopter will be set off from Thuampui helipad in Aizawl to Lunglei […]

Aizawl, Aug 2 NNN: Mizoram will have helicopter service very soon.
In connection with this, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla along with the concerned officials today discussed on and prepared the programme of inauguration of helicopter service in Mizoram.
The maiden service of the helicopter will be set off from Thuampui helipad in Aizawl to Lunglei in southern Mizoram on August 14 whereas passenger service will 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’, capable of carrying 6 passengers.
One ticket will cost Rs.50 per minute. As of now, 9 routes is 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).
It has been proposed to service 6 days in a week, is scheduled to start it service from mid August. Ticket will be available at DC office, which will be checked again at the helipad. Since safety is the main concern, security duty and fire service will be given at each helipad. The concerned Deputy Commissioners are also directed to construct ‘temporary waiting sheds’ for use at any needful time.
The helicopters can be even hired or chartered personally, for which the rate will be Rs.70,000 per hour, waiting charge free upto 45 minutes; but if it crosses the limit the waiting charge will be Rs. 10,000 per 30 minutes.

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

FNR on Naga history

Dimapur, August 2 NNN: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has admitted that as in any peoples’ history, Naga history has its own share of pitfalls. However, more ominous are the subsurface tensions among the Nagas, said the FNR. Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is responsible for reducing the factional clashes among the Naga underground […]

Dimapur, August 2 NNN: The Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) has admitted that as in any peoples’ history, Naga history has its own share of pitfalls. However, more ominous are the subsurface tensions among the Nagas, said the FNR.
Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) is responsible for reducing the factional clashes among the Naga underground organisations in the last few days. Founded in the year 2008, the FNR has been convening several meetings involving various Naga underground groups.
On Tuesday, the FNR said, “One is pitted against the other. Our history is filled with accounts of sectional interests clashing with those of another group, of pressure groups with special favor, and of emotional propagandists who temporarily sweep reason and sense by the wayside”.
It said the current Naga situation, as a result of its totalitarian posture, has caused antagonism among its people. The fallacy of the totalitarian saturation of people through a single cultural, political and religious agenda results in the exclusion of not only the other but the self, it added.
“Experts have discouraged groups from developing whole and realistic goals for the common good. Such an approach has boomeranged, resulting in isolated hearts and divided minds. This sensibility will continue to breed a bleak future for the Nagas. Nagas have doubts about our sense of purpose, instigated by parochial interests. We have poured increasing amounts of our mental energy to justify all our wrongs, believing that Nagas, young and old, will remain pacified and unperturbed. We are restrained from pursuing our legitimate rights, and we abjectly rationalize our own personal interests,” the FNR stated today.
“Since May 2008, the Naga political groups have taken the courageous leap towards a common humanity by transcending the fences that have divided us. The fact of the matter is we have attained a measure of relative calm and regard for our common humanity and a common political identity based on the unique “political and historical rights of the Nagas.”
34 years after the 1964 Ceasefire with the NNC, the GOI acknowledged that the case of “The Indo-Naga political problem cannot be solved militarily . . . It is not a law and order problem as it is a political issue.” Still, despite the declarations of the GOI in 1997, it took another five years for an acknowledgement, through the collective leadership of Mr. Isak Chishi Swu and Mr. Th. Muivah of the NSCN/GPRN, that the political and historical rights of the Naga people “is unique.” Similar to how Nagas recognized the 1964 achievement of the NNC, the events and actions that led to the July 2002 assertion of “The Uniqueness of Naga History” deserve its due recognition as a historical event for the Nagas.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/fnr-on-naga-history/

Ratankumar demands safe road

Manipur Information Centre New Delhi, Aug 1 :Works and Transport Minister Dr. Kh. Ratankumar yesterday urged the Centre for providing adequate funding by way of Central Assistance to develop infrastructure for road safety measures in Manipur, keeping in view the resource constraints in Manipur as well as Manipur being a special category state. The Minister […]

Manipur Information Centre New Delhi, Aug 1 :Works and Transport Minister Dr. Kh. Ratankumar yesterday urged the Centre for providing adequate funding by way of Central Assistance to develop infrastructure for road safety measures in Manipur, keeping in view the resource constraints in Manipur as well as Manipur being a special category state. The Minister elaborated that installation of state of the art equipments such as breadth analysers, interceptors and speed radar guns, ambulance, cranes, development of web base data management system, emergency relief service system, strengthening of traffic police and enforcement staff were highly required in Manipur.
Dr. Ratankumar was speaking at the meeting of State Transport Ministers which was held under the chairmanship of Dr. C.P. Joshi, .
He stated that the number of on-road vehicles of all categories of Manipur as on 31st March this year was 2,01,261. During the year 2011, a total of 692 road accidents occurred in Manipur, of which 83 accidents took place on National Highways and 28 on State Highways. A total of 63 persons were grievously injured. He reported that the Department of Transport, Manipur organised mass sensitisation programmes on transport system in coordination with Manipur Bar Council, Traffic Police, Transport associations and Driver associations. To regulate a systematic traffic flow in respect of urban transport, a multi disciplinary body called Traffic Regulation and Parking Committee with members drawn from various government departments was formed. State Transport Authority was actively working on a viable State Transport Policy for Manipur.
Ratankumar also drew the attention of the apex National Road Safety Council for giving special attention towards the safety aspects of both passengers and vehicles against robbery and looting on National Highways and other State Highways, inter district roads and other district roads by way of providing more way-side amenities.
He also pointed out the conditions of the National Highways in Manipur which were lack of many safety features. The portion of National Highways in the hilly region was not having proper geometrics like proper super elevation and extra widening at the curves. In some portions, the gradient of the Highway was exceeded the permissible limit. Almost the entire length of the Highways in the hilly regions of Manipur was without Protective Crash Barrier. The end point of the medians was having high potential of being hit by running vehicles and it should be provided with modern means of crash absorber. Almost the entire length of the Highways was without proper safty sign and reflective delineator. Reflective delineators were required along the central line of the double lane road.Lack of proper maintenance by mending potholes in time was also one of the causes of road accidents on the National Highways.
He also mentioned that the State level Road Safety Council was developing a co-ordinated road safety measures. Frequent mass awareness programmes, targeted sensitisation programme, mobile sensitisation programme,, inclusion of road safety measures in school curriculum, strengthening of enforment agencies, formation of emergency response service mechanism, trauma care centre were some of the co-ordinated Road Safety measures in Manipur.
Dr. Kh. Ratankumar called on the Union Minister of Road Transports and Highways Dr. C.P.Joshi and requested him to provide all kinds of assistance from the Centre towards the development of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ratankumar-demands-safe-road/

cbi arrests senior manager bank

Mail News Service Imphal, July 30: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Senior Manager of Punjab National Bank, posted in Regional Stationary Department Centre, PNB House, Fort, Mumbai and another retired employee of PNB (presently Asset Recovery Agent for Punjab National Bank) for demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs. 1.8 crore from […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 30: The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Senior Manager of Punjab National Bank, posted in Regional Stationary Department Centre, PNB House, Fort, Mumbai and another retired employee of PNB (presently Asset Recovery Agent for Punjab National Bank) for demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs. 1.8 crore from the complainant.
It was alleged in the complaint that the accused had demanded a bribe of Rs. 1.8 crore from the complainant to set aside the sale in auction of a building in Bandra (Mumbai).
CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs. 1.8 crore from the complainant.
Searches were conducted at the premises of the accused persons in Mumbai, Patna and Bangalore which yielded a recovery of several incriminating documents.
Both the arrested accused were produced before the Designated Court at Mumbai and were remanded to Police custody till 3rd August, 2012.
Further investigation is continuing.
The two wre Mani Bhushan, Senior Manager of Punjab National Bank, PNB House, Fort, Mumbai and H.C.Mendiratta, Retired PNB Employee(Presently Asset Recovery Agent for PNB).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-senior-manager-bank/

Nothing less than Sovereignty :Khaplang

Dimapur, July 30 NNN: The NSCN faction led by S.S.Khaplang will not accept anything that is less than ‘Naga Sovereignty’ with regard to any possible settlement brought about by parties involved in the dialogue with the government of India. This ‘official declaration’ of the NSCN-K comes amid ever rising speculations on the possible inking of […]

Dimapur, July 30 NNN: The NSCN faction led by S.S.Khaplang will not accept anything that is less than ‘Naga Sovereignty’ with regard to any possible settlement brought about by parties involved in the dialogue with the government of India.
This ‘official declaration’ of the NSCN-K comes amid ever rising speculations on the possible inking of agreement soon between the NSCN led by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah with New Delhi.
The ‘ official declaration’ signed by chairman of the NSCN-K S.S.Khaplang which was made available to Newmai News Network by the outfit’s publicity secretary Sangso Mongzar this evening said,” With regard to the possible political solution within the Indian Constitution, the NSCN/GPRN (NSCN-K) will reject it unless it is a sovereignty of the Nagas.”
Meanwhile, terming the Indian elections as “forced Indian elections” (on the Nagas), the NSCN-K said those elections are nothing to do with the Nagas’ struggle for sovereignty.
And cautioning those concerned elements in connection with the next Nagaland assembly election, the NSCN-K in its ‘official declaration’ said that if any cadre of its outfit is found involving in the said election the outfit’s authority will penalise him or her according to the outfit’s laws and rules laid down in its yezhabo (constitution).
“The NSCN/GPRN under the leadership of S.S. Khaplang hereby issues that, it will not involve in the forced Indian election in the so called Nagaland state to be held in the year 2013,” the NSCN-K declaration said.
“That, the Indian election has nothing to do with the Nagas’ struggle for sovereignty. The Naga Nation had held its Plebiscite in 1951 with 99% voted for sovereignty and thereafter, rejected the first Indian election of 1952,” said the ‘official declaration’ of the NSCN-K.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nothing-less-than-sovereignty-khaplang/

Encroachment by army protested

Shillong, July 30 NNN: A group of soldiers from the 119 TA battalion erected a ‘Defence Land’ sign board in a plot of land, which belongs to one Lascretice Lyngdoh at Lawsohtun Block VI, near Goverment Sericulture Farm. Speaking to this reporter, Lyngdoh lamenting the incident said, “It all started on July 11(2012), when a […]

Shillong, July 30 NNN: A group of soldiers from the 119 TA battalion erected a ‘Defence Land’ sign board in a plot of land, which belongs to one Lascretice Lyngdoh at Lawsohtun Block VI, near Goverment Sericulture Farm.
Speaking to this reporter, Lyngdoh lamenting the incident said, “It all started on July 11(2012), when a group of soldiers encroached into my land without my knowledge and threatened my caretaker with dire consequence. Now they have barred all entrances.”
“I have complained to the Defense Estate Officer (DEO) office at Guwahati regarding the matter, and have also submitted a petition to the concerned authority with a copy to DC’s East Khasi Hills district,” Lyngdoh said.
He also added that, on July 25 last at around 5pm an army officer with some soldiers visited the spot and warned the caretaker to vacate the land immediately by any means.
According to Lyngdoh, “The land belongs to me and I have the papers to prove. But whenever I want to show them the paper, the army personnel refuse to see.”
It can be mentioned that the encroached land is about 30, 000 square feet. However, a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed at the Kench’s Trace Police Station.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/encroachment-by-army-protested/

61 in Deepda Darwaza riots case

Mehsana (Gujarat), July 30 (ANI): A court here on Monday convicted 22 of the 83 accused in connection with the 2002 Deepda Darwaza riots case in which 11 persons of a family were burnt alive in the aftermath of the Godhra train carnage, but absolved them of the serious charges of murder and criminal conspiracy. […]

Mehsana (Gujarat), July 30 (ANI): A court here on Monday convicted 22 of the 83 accused in connection with the 2002 Deepda Darwaza riots case in which 11 persons of a family were burnt alive in the aftermath of the Godhra train carnage, but absolved them of the serious charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Of the 22 convicted, 21 have been charged of attempt to murder and rioting while former police inspector of Visnagar town, M K Patel, has been convicted of dereliction of duty.
Special judge S.C. Srivastava acquitted 61 accused in the case, including former Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) MLA Prahlad Gosa and ex-municipal president of BJP Dayabhai Patel.
Of those acquitted, 10 have been absolved from all charges, while the rest have been given benefit of doubt. The quantum of punishment is likely to be pronounced later in the day.
A mob had killed 11 members of a single family, including two children and a 65-year-old woman, on February 28, 2002 in Deepda Darwaza area of Visnagar town in Mehsana district of Gujarat.
Initially, charges had been framed against 83 accused, including three women, but later the court allowed the application of complainant Mohammad Iqbal Baloch, listing former BJP MLA Prahlad Gosa and former police inspector, Visnagar town M K Patel, as additional accused in the case taking the total number to 85. However, one of the accused against whom charges were framed was found to be minor at the time of the crime, following which the court ordered his trial by a juvenile court, while one of the accused died during the course of trial.
The court had examined 167 witnesses, out of whom 12 were prime witnesses.
Among the accused in the Deepda Darwaza case, three were women who had been charged with murder and other crimes, but they were also acquitted. Earlier, all 83 accused were charged under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempted murder), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 325 (causing grievous hurt with deadly weapons), 367 (kidnapping in order to cause grievous hurt) of Indian Penal Code among other sections.
Deepda Darwaza is one of the nine cases, including the Godhra train burning case that was probed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on orders of the Supreme Court.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/61-in-deepda-darwaza-riots-case/

61 in Deepda Darwaza riots case

Mehsana (Gujarat), July 30 (ANI): A court here on Monday convicted 22 of the 83 accused in connection with the 2002 Deepda Darwaza riots case in which 11 persons of a family were burnt alive in the aftermath of the Godhra train carnage, but absolved them of the serious charges of murder and criminal conspiracy. […]

Mehsana (Gujarat), July 30 (ANI): A court here on Monday convicted 22 of the 83 accused in connection with the 2002 Deepda Darwaza riots case in which 11 persons of a family were burnt alive in the aftermath of the Godhra train carnage, but absolved them of the serious charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.
Of the 22 convicted, 21 have been charged of attempt to murder and rioting while former police inspector of Visnagar town, M K Patel, has been convicted of dereliction of duty.
Special judge S.C. Srivastava acquitted 61 accused in the case, including former Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) MLA Prahlad Gosa and ex-municipal president of BJP Dayabhai Patel.
Of those acquitted, 10 have been absolved from all charges, while the rest have been given benefit of doubt. The quantum of punishment is likely to be pronounced later in the day.
A mob had killed 11 members of a single family, including two children and a 65-year-old woman, on February 28, 2002 in Deepda Darwaza area of Visnagar town in Mehsana district of Gujarat.
Initially, charges had been framed against 83 accused, including three women, but later the court allowed the application of complainant Mohammad Iqbal Baloch, listing former BJP MLA Prahlad Gosa and former police inspector, Visnagar town M K Patel, as additional accused in the case taking the total number to 85. However, one of the accused against whom charges were framed was found to be minor at the time of the crime, following which the court ordered his trial by a juvenile court, while one of the accused died during the course of trial.
The court had examined 167 witnesses, out of whom 12 were prime witnesses.
Among the accused in the Deepda Darwaza case, three were women who had been charged with murder and other crimes, but they were also acquitted. Earlier, all 83 accused were charged under sections 302 (murder), 307 (attempted murder), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 325 (causing grievous hurt with deadly weapons), 367 (kidnapping in order to cause grievous hurt) of Indian Penal Code among other sections.
Deepda Darwaza is one of the nine cases, including the Godhra train burning case that was probed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on orders of the Supreme Court.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/61-in-deepda-darwaza-riots-case/

32 Dead and 25 Injured as fire breaks out in train

Mail News Service Hyderabad July 30: There was an unfortunate incident of fire in train no. 12622 New Delhi-Chennai Tamilnadu Express at Nellore station (Andhra Pradesh) of Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway at about 0422 hours today i.e. 30th July 2012. While the train was on run, fire broke out in Sleeper Class Coach […]

Mail News Service
Hyderabad July 30: There was an unfortunate incident of fire in train no. 12622 New Delhi-Chennai Tamilnadu Express at Nellore
station (Andhra Pradesh) of Vijayawada Division of South Central Railway at about 0422 hours today i.e. 30th July
2012. While the train was on run, fire broke out in Sleeper Class Coach S-11, positioned 20th from train engine. As a
result of the fire, this coach got completely burnt. As per latest information received, 32 passengers lost their lives in
this unfortunate incident, 25 passengers with burn injuries have been admitted to Government Hospital, Nellore and a
nearby private hospital. The dead bodies are yet to be identified.
According to reports, while the train was passing Nellore Station, Gateman of Level Crossing Gate noticed the
fire in S-11 coach and informed Dy. Station Superintendent of Nellore who managed to stop the train after the Old
South Cabin of Nellore Station.
Medical relief was immediately dispatched through Accident Relief Medical Train from Bitragunta station. Fire
Brigades from Nellore reached the site and extinguished the fire. General Manager, South Central Railway from Secunderabad and Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada has rushed to the site along with team of officers to supervise the relief and rescue operations. Helpline numbers were also set up at important stations all along the route of the ill-fated train. A special train carrying relatives of affected passengers was also arranged from Chennai to Nellore.
The Minister of Railways, Shri Mukul Roy rushed to the accident site from Kolkata while the Minister of State for Railways, Shri K. H. Muniyappa rushed to the accident site from Kolar(Karnataka), Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinay Mittal with Member Electrical, Shri Kul Bhushan rushed to the accident site from Delhi by first available flight.
The Minister of Railways, Shri Mukul Roy expressed his deep grief over the loss of innocent lives in this unfortunate tragedy. He announced an enhanced ex-gratia amount of Rs. 5/- lakh to the next of the kin of each deceased, Rs. 1/- lakh for grievously injured and Rs. 25,000/- for simple injured passenger of the affected coach on humanitarian ground. Shri Mukul Roy,
The cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained. Statutory inquiry into this incident will be conducted by Shri D. K. Singh, Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), South Central Circle, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The General Manger of all Zonal Railways are being instructed to exercise extra vigil as well as launch a special safety drive regarding precautions to be taken to avoid recurrence of such accidents.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/32-dead-and-25-injured-as-fire-breaks-out-in-train/