Tag: National

New Delhi , July 7 (ANI): Congress spokesperson Renuka Choudhary hit back at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Yashwant Sinha for dubbing Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh a ‘consultant to the government’ despite remaining in power for almost eight years.
Choudhary told media that the world respects Dr. Singh as an able economist.
“I don’t think Yashwant Sinha remembers what he did as finance minister; we will wait till we can ask him those questions. That is his personal opinion; I don’t want to react to that. It is another matter that the whole nation and the whole world holds our Prime Minister in high regard, so Yashwant Sinha’s opinion is his personal opinion and he is most welcome to it,” she said.
Sinha, who was the finance minister during BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government, had earlier taken a jibe at Dr. Singh and called him a ‘consultant’ to the government, saying the latter could have made full use of the opportunity given to him since he has held the reins of the nation for eight years now.
“They are all platitudes. You see the problem with Manmohan Singh has been that he has always acted as a consultant to the government, saying what should be done, what need not be done. You know he has been Prime Minister for eight years, before that he was finance minister for five years and clearly, he had all the opportunity in the world to implement what he believes in,” said Sinha.
Sinha stated that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet cannot always put the blame on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rule for all problems facing the country.
“The mess is domestically created and it is the government, which has created the mess. This is something, which has to be understood. I went through his interview and I find that he is constantly offering alibis, you know and the worst part of it is that he says they had to undo what we did, when we were in the government,” said Sinha.
“As if all the problems in India from 1947 onwards can be laid at the door of the NDA Government between 1998 and 2004? Why was India partitioned? Because of the NDA Government. Why is the Kashmir problem there? Because of the NDA government?” he asked.
Sinha further said that during the last eight years Dr. Singh’s name has been dragged into several controversies; either related to the scams or economic slowdown.
Dr. Singh in an interview to a leading national daily earlier said that ‘there is no realisation that a reversal to an earlier era is neither possible nor desirable; even a neighbour like China has understood the logic of an open economy and is developing the institutional framework which is required for this’.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/congress-raps-bjp-for-dubbing-manmohan-singh-consultant-to-govt/

Shillong, July 7 NNN: Despite of efforts made by the state government, agitators at Langpih Friday maintained that they would only withdraw their “fast-unto-death” agitation, if government is willing to resolve the long pending boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya and prove it writing.
This was expressed by the agitators to the State Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh during his visit Langpih on Friday.
“We demand the government to send first its assurances in “writing” for us to decide on our future course of action”, Pynskhemlang Nongshlong who led the fasting protest said.
Nongshlong’s demand was for the government to immediately resolve the boundary dispute, deployed adequate security and bringing developmental programmes in the border.
“We will suspend our agitation till we are convinced that government is truly committed and sincere towards its promises”, Nongshlong said adding “If not, the hunger strike protest will continue”.
Lyngdoh accompanied by a high level delegation of the state government comprising of two MLAs Francis Pondit Sangma and Dr A Pariong besides MDC Irene Hujon, MPYCC president, West Khasi hills district deputy commissioner and superintendent of police visited Langpih to assess on the prevailing situation besides convinced the protestors to call off their agitation.
However, the Home Minister on his part while trying to convince the agitators to suspend their stir said, “I will take up the matter with the state government and ensure that the written assurances be send as soon as possible”.
He also informed that the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma yesterday has sought the intervention of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and his counterpart in Assam on the urgency to find a solution to end the inter-state dispute with neighbouring Assam.
The indefinite hunger strike which begun on Saturday last was led by a 28 year old youth P Nongshlong aimed at putting pressure on the Government of India and the two state governments to arrive at an early settlement to the long pending dispute between Assam and Meghalaya.
However, till today, seven agitators were hospitalized after their health condition deteriorated. Also, a delegation of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also visited Langpih to expressed and show their solidarity with the people living in the border areas of the state.
Meanwhile, the People’s Movement (PM), a group which spearheads the agitation to end the border crisis, petitioned the Chief Minister urging him to “suspend” of any kind of dialogue with the Assam Government and engage itself with the Centre only.
Langpih is one of the villages located along the interstate border with Assam where frequent aggression by Assam government has been resented by the people of the state.
On May 15, 2010, four Khasi youths of the village were gunned down by Assam police personnel during a clash.
Meghalaya and Assam have 12 areas of differences along the border.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assam-meghalaya-border-dispute/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 7 : The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been closely monitoring the preparedness of various activities for the implementation of DAS. The success of DAS depends on timely seeding of STBs at the consumer premises. As such, availability and deployment of STBs by MSOs/LCOs are paramount important for the implementation of DAS. Timely availability of accurate data with regard to the seeding of STBs by service providers (MSOs/LCOs) is critical for the Ministry to ensure digital switch over within the timeframe as well as for taking mid-course corrections if necessary.
While assessing the preparedness of DAS in four metros, the Ministry has come across numerous inconsistencies of data provided by the service providers, particularly MSOs, in regard to inventory position of STB and its deployment.
In view of this, the Ministry has decided to amend the Cable Television Network Rule, 1995 (Cable Rules) making it obligatory for every cable operator and Multi-system Operator (MSO) to provide correct and timely information to the Ministry as and when it is sought for.
In the Cable Television Network Rule, 1995(Second Amendment) Rule, 2012, a new rule, namely, rule 10A Obligation to furnish information, has been inserted making it mandatory for MSOs and cable operators to provide information as and when it is sought for by the Central Government or State Government or authorized officer or any agency of the Central Government. The obligation to furnish information under the amended rule 10 A has been incorporated as one of the terms and conditions of registration of cable operator under Rule 5 A and MSOs under rule 11 D.
As per sub-section (7) of section 4 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the Central Government may suspend or revoke the registration of cable operators or MSOs if they violate one or more of the terms and conditions of registration. Incorporation of rule 10 A as one of the terms and conditions of registration of cable operators and MSOs will empower the Central Govt. to cancel or suspend the registration of cable operators or MSO if the information sought for by it is not provided by them. This will ensure correct and timely submission of information by cable operators and MSOs.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cable-laws-amended/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 7 : The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been closely monitoring the preparedness of various activities for the implementation of DAS. The success of DAS depends on timely seeding of STBs at the consumer premises. As such, availability and deployment of STBs by MSOs/LCOs are paramount important for the implementation of DAS. Timely availability of accurate data with regard to the seeding of STBs by service providers (MSOs/LCOs) is critical for the Ministry to ensure digital switch over within the timeframe as well as for taking mid-course corrections if necessary.
While assessing the preparedness of DAS in four metros, the Ministry has come across numerous inconsistencies of data provided by the service providers, particularly MSOs, in regard to inventory position of STB and its deployment.
In view of this, the Ministry has decided to amend the Cable Television Network Rule, 1995 (Cable Rules) making it obligatory for every cable operator and Multi-system Operator (MSO) to provide correct and timely information to the Ministry as and when it is sought for.
In the Cable Television Network Rule, 1995(Second Amendment) Rule, 2012, a new rule, namely, rule 10A Obligation to furnish information, has been inserted making it mandatory for MSOs and cable operators to provide information as and when it is sought for by the Central Government or State Government or authorized officer or any agency of the Central Government. The obligation to furnish information under the amended rule 10 A has been incorporated as one of the terms and conditions of registration of cable operator under Rule 5 A and MSOs under rule 11 D.
As per sub-section (7) of section 4 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the Central Government may suspend or revoke the registration of cable operators or MSOs if they violate one or more of the terms and conditions of registration. Incorporation of rule 10 A as one of the terms and conditions of registration of cable operators and MSOs will empower the Central Govt. to cancel or suspend the registration of cable operators or MSO if the information sought for by it is not provided by them. This will ensure correct and timely submission of information by cable operators and MSOs.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cable-laws-amended/

Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps visited Kohima today. He was accorded a traditional welcome at HQ IGAR (N) and was received by Brig R P S Mann, Officiating IGAR (N).
The GOC on his maiden visit to the state called on Neiphu Rio, CM of Nagaland and Nikhil Kumar, and Governor of Nagaland. The General officer had discussion on the prevailing security situation and development projects with the CM and Governor. The General officer during his visit to HQ IGAR (N) was briefed about the present security situation prevailing in the State. In an address to all ranks of Assam Rifles, he lauded the services rendered by the Assam Rifles.
He also said that the prevailing peace situation should be improved and better development take place than ever before. He said the life of common man was more important than anything and said the security forces should work in synergy with the civil government.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/goc-3-corps-visits-hq-igar-n/

Aizawl, July 6 NNN : In a bid to bring out preventive measures on the rising trend of rape incidents in Mizoram, Academy of Integrated Christian Studies (AICS) today organised a one-day seminar at I&PR Conference Hall here, which was graced by Parliamentary Secretary Lal Thanzara.
Lal Thanzara said, “It is quite unfortunate that rape incident often occurred in Mizoram which is shameful as a Mizo community and also as a Christian state.” “Years before, such incident occurred because of outsiders, but now it is done by the Mizos ourselves which is indeed a matter of concern for all”, he added.
Outlining that the modern technology products like cell-phone, internet and television could badly affects the children, the Minister Lal Thanzara said, “The parents need to look after their children more than ever and that especially care should be taken in preventing them from accessing porn related videos”, he added.
The Minister also underlined that the misfortune met by the rape victims does not end immediately but last forever, therefore they need to be given full moral support and assistance, and said, “The church and the society should take initiatives in this regard.” He added that the state government is also attentive to the crime against children as well as rape incident, following which the Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla also had a meeting with NGOs and the churches in the state. “The resolutions in the meeting shall be implemented soon” Lal Thanzara added.
The seminar today was attended, among others, by specially invited five experts: Miss C. Lalthansangi, Counsellor, Centre for Peace & Development, Dr. HTC Lalrinchhana, Sr. Civil Judge, Dr. Lalrindiki Ralte, Associate Professor, Aizawl Theological College, Rev. C. Vanlaldika, Lecturer, AICS and Rev. R. Zolawma, Lecturer AICS who all presented their seminar papers on relevant topic. The seminar was conducted by Rev. Dr. K. Thanzauva, Professor AICS; while the discussion hour in the afternoon was presided over by Rev. Dr. R.L. Hnuni, Principal AICS.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/seminar-held-to-prevent-rape/

Shillong, July 6 NNN All India Radio (AIR), Shillong with an aim to promote reading habit and love for Khasi Literature, organised a one day symposium on ‘Khasi Poetry’ entitled, “NA THWEI KA DOHNUD” at Don Bosco Youth Centre, here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, Meghalaya Education Secretary, Frederick Roy Kharkongor informed the gathering that UNESCO has withdrawn the Khasi language from the list of endangered languages of the world.
He said UNESCO is having its own system to grade the languages of the world.
“Khasi language is out of danger, efforts should be made to ensure that the Khasi language be included in the Eight Schedule of the Indian Constitution, so that it would be recognized as one of the major languages of the country,” Kharkongor informed.
He also said that younger generation should be encouraged to love their own language and literature in view of the influence of modern media.
Referring the Khasi language as a developing language, which has developed by leaps and bounds since the days the language was provided the Roman script and the publication of Khasi Dictionary by Nissor Singh Kharsuka in 1906, Kharkongor informed that the Khasi language was full of folktales connected with nature.
He also said that he was surprised to find that about ninety five non- Khasi speakers attended the programme for learning the Khasi language organized by Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures in Shillong.
“The huge number of non-native speakers attending the language programme only shows that the other people are interested to learn the Khasi language”, Kharkongor said.
Further, he added that it would be very important for the research scholars to know the language of the community while conducting their research. “Knowing the language will enable the researchers to know the essence of the community”, he said, adding that most of facts got diluted during the process of translation.
Speaking on the occasion, former Deputy Director of All India Radio, Shillong, Mr. E.W. Dkhar who was the Guest of Honour, lauded the All India Radio, Shillong for providing a platform for the development of Khasi music. Dkhar said AIR has promoted the secular music in the Khasi society. He expressed deep appreciation on the rapid development of Khasi folk music, in which the youths could sing the Tonic Sofa Notation in four voices. Mr. Dkhar also said the AIR has society by providing education, information and entertainment.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/air-shillong-popularising-khasi/

Imphal, July 5 NNN: Another Naga underground outfit has come out sternly against the NSCN-IM on Thursday.
A day after the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF)’s accusation of the Isak-Muivah group of the NSCN of practicing the anti-Naga policy, the Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) today alleged that wherever there is NSCN-IM, there is a problem.
MNRF publicity secretary Apam Ningshen said that in today’s world of Tangkhul community, every village or area has problem due to the involvement of the NSCN-IM in petty matters. “Whatever matter the NSCN-IM involves there is bound to be problems,” said Apam Ningshen. The MNRF then cautions that the NSCN-IM should hold the sole responsibility for any pandemonium at this juncture in Ukhrul district.
The Manipur Naga Revolutionary Front (MNRF) then made a wake up call to the general public and start analysing what damage the NSCN-IM has been doing to the people. The MNRF said if not realize now it is going to be late. The MNRF said the Tangkhul frontal organisations should understand the reality of things regarding the NSCN-IM’s dirty policy. The MNRF then asked the Tangkhul frontal organisations not to be one sided but strive for justice.
Coming to the June 30 incident of Phangrei in Ukhrul district where three villagers were killed in the inter-village land dispute, the MNRF appeals the concerned villages to solve the matter in the Christian spirit but not to be swayed by evil instigation from certain quarters.
The MNRF strongly condemed the incident and condoles the victims’ families.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/naga-outfit-blames-nscn-im-of-causing-problems/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 5 : After the last date of withdrawal of candidature on the 4th of July, 2012, the following two are the contesting candidates for the Presidential Election, 2012:-
Purno Agitok Sangma of H.No. 35, Walbakgre, Tura, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya and Pranab Mukherjee H.No.60/2/97,Kabi Bharati Sarani (Lake Road), Kolkata (West Bengal) The Polling for the Presidential Election, 2012 will take place on Thursday, the 19th of July, 2012 in Room No. 63, Parliament House, New Delhi and in the State Capitals. The polling will commence at 10.00 A.M. and close at 5.00 P.M. on that day.
The Electoral College for election to the Office of the President of India consists of the elected Members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies of all State including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Members of Parliament normally exercise their vote in Parliament House, New Delhi and Members of State Legislative Assemblies including the Members of Legislative Assemblies of the NCT of Delhi and the Union territory of Puducherry in their respective State Capitals at the places notified by the Election Commission of India in this behalf. However, a Member of Parliament may vote in a State Capital/Union Territory Capital if he/she obtained the prior permission of the Election Commission of India. Similarly, a Member of any State Legislative Assembly who has obtained the prior permission of the Election Commission, may, exercise his/her vote in Room No. 63, Parliament House, New Delhi.
The polling arrangements in Parliament House are being made by Dr. V.K. Agnihotri, the Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, 2012, and Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha.Asserting that the presidential election is above party lines, former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma on Thursday condemned the Congress Party’s decision to suspend tribal leader Arvind Netam, calling it ‘unjustified and unconstitutional’.
“After all, presidential election is above political party. Pranab Mukherjee is not a Congress candidate. He has resigned from the Congress Party. There is no symbol in his election. So, Mukherjee is not contesting under symbol of ‘hand’,” said Sangma.
“It (presidential election) is above party. Therefore, taking any action taken against anybody who has got nothing to do in the voting process and electoral process is absolutely condemnable,” he added.
Sangma, who is contesting the presidential election on grounds that it was time for a tribal to occupy the top constitutional post, also informed that the central executive committee of the Tribal Forum of India would be meeting today to discuss the anti-tribal policy action of the ruling Congress Party.
“Today at 5: 30, a Tribal Forum of India central executive committee will meet to discuss the anti-tribal policy action of the Congress Party by expelling Arvind Netam, who is from the Congress Party. Arvind Netam is the president of Tribal Forum of India. He is not a member of parliament any more. He is not a member of the electoral college,” said Sangma.
“Therefore, the question of taking any action by the Congress against Arvind Netam is absolutely unjustified, unconstitutional and we from the Tribal Forum condemn it,” he added.
Congress Party had last month suspended Netam for backing Sangma in the presidential election. Congress Party was stung by Netam, who strongly advocated Sangma’s candidature after he filed his nomination.
The announcement came after Netam jointly addressed a press conference with Sangma and made a strong plea for support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -backed candidate.
Sangma, who is being backed by the BJP, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the AIADMK, will lock horns with UPA presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee in the race for Raisina Hill.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pranab-sangma-candidature-for-president-confirmed/

The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Junior Engineer of Delhi Jal Board, posted in Shalimar Bagh, Delhi for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000/- from the complainant.
It was alleged in the complaint that the accused had demanded a bribe of Rs. 90,000/- from the complainant (a contractor) for passing his bills amounting to Rs. 2.10 lakhs (Approx.). A case was registered under section – 7 of PC Act, 1988.
CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 50,000/- from the complainant. Searches were carried out at his residential premises.
The arrested accused is being produced today before The Special Judge for CBI cases at Tis Hazari Courts, Delhi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-junior-engineer-delhi-jal-board/

Mail News Service
Itanagar, July 5 : The Minister of State for Defence Dr MM Pallam Raju inaugurated a 480 m length bridge built across river Simen on Akajan-Jonai-Pasighat road (NH 52) in Arunachal Pradesh yesterday. Dedicating the bridge to the nation the minister said that opening of this bridge National Highway Double Lane specifications will usher in a new era of development to the civil population, Army and Paramilitary Forces and a host of other agencies working for infrastructure development of the region.
The minister also remarked that opening of this bridge will facilitate early completion of Broad Gauge Rail Conversion Project between Rangiya and Murkongselek.
The existing rail cum road bridge was a major bottleneck for smooth flow of the road traffic. The minister congratulated the construction team of BRO for their dedicated efforts in completion of this challenging bridge, where the works continued in monsoons and at night by using generator light. The bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs.24 crore.
Among others present on the occasion included local MP Smt. Ranee Narah, DGBR Lt Gen S. Ravi Shankar, GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni and GOC 56 Infantry division Maj Gen Sanjay Kulkurni. Shri AK Bishnoi, Addl Secretary, Ministry of Defence .

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/simen-bridge-on-nh-52-opened/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 4 : The Central Bureau Of Investigation has arrested Col. A.K.Singh, Physical Training Officer & Presiding Officer appointed by National Defence Academy(NDA) in an on-going investigation relating to an alleged bribery case for appointment of subordinate staff in NDA, Pune.
The arrested accused was produced before the Special Judge, Pune and was remanded to Police custody upto 07.07.12.
Searches were conducted at the premises of the accused at Purnia & Saharsa District of Bihar. A case was registered against Staff Officer to the Commandant, National Defence Academy, Pune; two private persons and other unknown accused persons U/s 120-B, 420, 468 & 471 of IPC and Section 13(2) r/w Sec. 13(1)(d) of P.C. Act, 1988 in the matter of appointment of subordinate staff, such as, Mali, Cook, LDC, Cadet Orderly, Lab Attendant, Library Attendant, etc in NDA in the month of May & June, 2012. It has been alleged that the Staff Officer in conspiracy with some private persons & some employees of NDA had indulged into corrupt practices and obtained illegal gratification of Rs.Three lakh to Rs.Four lakh from each prospective candidate to give them appointment. The accused persons had allegedly taken signature of such candidates on blank answer sheets and subsequently filled them with correct answers by fraudulent means. Thus, the actual deserving candidates were cheated. CBI had earlier arrested a Staff Officer(A Colonel rank Officer); Establishment Officer & another employee, all of National Defence Academy, Pune and four private persons in this case. Four accused including Staff Officer are presently in Police custody till 05.07.12 and remaining three, including Establishment Officer, are in Judicial custody. Further investigation is continuing.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-physical-training-officer/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 4 : The Central Bureau Of Investigation has today filed a chargesheet against 13 accused persons in the Court of Special Judge, Mumbai relating to Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society Case of Mumbai.
A case was registered on 29.01.2011 against 13 accused persons belonging to Army, DEO (Defence Estate Office), Govt. of Maharashtra, Public servants & unknown persons U/s 120-B, 420, 468, 471of IPC and Section 13(2) r/w 13(1)(d) of PC Act, 1988. Subsequently, Section 3 of Benami Transactions Act was also added in the case as per the orders dated 17.2.2011 of Hon’ble Bombay High Court.
After completion of the investigation,CBI has today filed chargesheet.
The investigation with respect to Benami transactions and any other new facts that may emerge during investigation is still continuing & report U/s 173 Cr.PC will be filed after completion of investigation in due course of time.
The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it. Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.
The thirteen persons were R C Thakur, the then official of Defence Estate Office , Brig.(Retd.) M M Wanchu, K L Gidwani,the then Member of Legislative Council, Maharashtra, Maj. Gen.(Retd.) A R Kumar, Maj. Gen. .(Retd.) T K Kaul, Brig.(Retd.) T K Sinha, P V Deshmukh; the then Dy.Secretary, Urban Development, Govt. of Maharashtra, Ramanand Tiwari, the then Principal Secretary,Urban Development, Govt. of Maharshtra, Subhash Lalla; the then PS to Chief Minister, Maharashtra, Dr. Pradeep Vyas, the then Collector, Mumbai, Ashok Shankarrao Chavan; the then Revenue Minister, Maharashtra, Dr. M. Jairaj Phathak, the then Municipal Commissioner, BMC, Mumbai and Col (Retd.) R.K. Bakshi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-files-chargesheet-against-13-accused-persons-relating-to-adarsh/

Aizawl, July 3 NNN: The Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) today demanded that the Government of Mizoram stops segregating the Hmar peoples.
In a memorandum submitted to the Mizoram government, Hmar students’ body reacted to the direction of state government of Mizoram to take measures not to allot/issue house pass/site to the ‘Hmar refugees’; measures to segregate them from the local population and not to issue job cards under MGNREGS to the Hmars in Mizoram and measures be taken not to enroll the Hmar refugees in the ensuing Special Revision of Electoral Roll, 2012 in Mizoram.
The memorandum stated that Vanhela Pachuau, Chief Secretary, Government of Mizoram along with officials from various departments convened a meeting on October 20, 2011 at 11:30 a.m. and derived a segregationist resolution under Memo No. D. 32020/24/2010-HMS dt. 21.11.2011, which was directed to the Hmar tribe, one of the Mizo tribes of Mizoram. According to the minutes of the meeting, R. Lalremsanga, Under Secretary to the Government of Mizoram, Home Department was directed by the government to take necessary actions against the Hmar tribe on mentioned above points.
“The order, by ostracizing the Hmar tribe, spelt out measures to deny the community of their constitutional and citizenship rights. It stands against the rightful interests of a community whose rights and entitlement cannot be suppressed by a bias and unjust order. The insensitive order is detrimental to the unity and integration of the Mizos; it stands opposed to the collective interests of the same and negates the Hmar tribe of their fundamental rights. The assented order is parallel to the Nuremberg Laws that was dictated by Adolf Hitler under the Nazis,” said the memorandum. The memorandum further stated that the Hmar peoples cannot be “refugees” in Mizoram; and shall never be.
“We mould and built Mizoram with our blood and sacrifices. The sacrifices of our forefathers should not be negated by few narrow minded policy makers to serve their selfish end. Our forefathers have founded and named many of the villages and towns of Mizoram after various Hmar clans much before the colonial and imperial invasion that survive till today. The Hmars are a major tribe in Mizoram. Despite that, the attempt, on the part of the government and its institutions, to “segregate”, seclude and suppressed the Hmar peoples’ and their rights shall not be received in silence. We shall not tolerate the insulting order that has already dehumanise us. We stand with our rights and entitlement to secure the future of the Hmar peoples’ with respect and dignity; we shall not be alienated from them,” the Hmar students’ memorandum pointed out.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/hmar-opposes-apathy-of-mizoram-govt/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, July 3 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Joint General Manager-I)(A Brigadier-level Officer) of Central Stores Depot(CSD), Mumbai in an on-going investigation of alleged bribery case.
The arrested accused was produced today before the Special Judge, Mumbai and was remanded to CBI custody till 05.07.2012.
During the initial investigation, it is further revealed that the Joint General Manager-I(Brigadier level Officer) also had allegedly accepted Rs.7.5 lacs from Mumbai-based private firm supplying consumer products for taking favourable decision at various stages such as introduction of items, price revision, and issue of supply orders. It was also revealed that the accused allegedly invested ill-gotten money in Real Estate at Panchkula.
The instant case was earlier registered on the information that the said private firm allegedly acted as marketing arm and representative of number of companies against the policy laid by CSD. The firm through its Director & officials of CSD entered into criminal conspiracy with each other and in furtherance of the said conspiracy manipulated various demands of CSD items of firm in favour of the clients.The CSD officials allegedly favoured the firm at various stages in CSD such as Introduction of
items, price revision, delayed & excess supply, demand creation, budget allocation etc. In lieu of favourable decisions, the firm through it Director had allegedly paid huge illegal gratification regularly to officials of CSD.
The CBI had earlier arrested another Joint General Manager, CSD (under Ministry of Defence), Head Office, Mumbai; a Director of a Mumbai based private firm supplying consumers products and two other private persons on 30.06.2012 in this case.The arrested accused are presently in police custody.
Further investigation is continuing.
The accused arrested on 02.07.12 is Bridadier Anuj Kainthla, Joint General Manager-I, CSD, Mumbai.
The accused arrested on 30.06.12 are, Bikas Ranjan Daschaudhary, Joint General Manager, CSD, Head Office, Mumbai; Milind Govilkar, Director of M/s. Sankalp Consumers Products Pvt. Ltd; Vilas Harer, a private person & Manohar Vibhute, a private person.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-jt-gm-i-of-csd/

Shillong, July 3 NNN:  In the spirit of Public Private Partnership (PPP), a three week workshop on ‘Teaching Khasi to Non-Khasi Speakers’ got underway at the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Culture (DBCIC), Mawlai organized in collaboration with the Department of Linguistics, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore.
The workshop was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Vice Chancellor of NEHU, Prof AN Rai.
In his Inaugural address Prof. Rai said, “We need to enjoy and love the learning of language as this will help us to appreciate the culture of the people.”
Basing on his life experiences he shared with the audience the importance of the learning of a language. He spoke of an unstructured formula that was needed in the learning of language.
“There is no structured formula to learn a language, unstructured way of conversation quickens our learning capacity of speaking and conversing a language,” he said.Fr. Barnes Mawrie, an expert in the Khasi language and culture was the Guest of Honour for the inaugural session. In his speech he stressed on the importance of learning a language and Khasi in particular. He encouraged the participants to make use of the opportunity to learn Khasi.
He said, “The learning of Khasi will help you in your day to day conversation.”
Dean School of Humanities, NEHU, Prof. Juanita War, in her observation of language learning said that language learning involves risk taking. By giving the anecdote of a child who imitates the teacher in the learning process, Prof. War was able to draw the attention of the participants on the need to be guided in the learning of a new language.
HOD, Linguistics, NEHU, Dr. Umarani Papuswamy, designed the classes with the help of the team of teachers. In her speech she underlined the importance of learning the language well.
She encouraged the participants to make use of the opportunity given to them. With the help of qualified teachers from the university, Dr Umarani was full of confidence that the participants will enjoy and gain from the workshop. She encourages the participants the best in the learning of the Khasi language.
Earlier, Director of DBCIC, Rev Fr. Joseph Puthenpurakal, welcomed the gathering and said that the generous and hard working spirit seen in the planning of this workshop will lead every participant to gain from it.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/need-to-enjoy-and-love-learningof-language-nehu-vc/

New Delhi, July 3 (ANI): Rajya Sabha Secretary General V.K.Agnihotri, who is the returning officer for the July 19 presidential poll, on Tuesday rejected the objection raised by Purno Sangma’s election team against UPA candidate Pranab Mukherjee’s nomination on grounds that he was holding an office of profit when he filed his nomination.
Team Sangma had claimed that Mukherjee was the chairman of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) when he filed his nomination as the presidential candidate of the UPA. Team Sangma had demanded Mukherjee’s disqualification on this ground, which Agnihotri rejected.
Mukherjee had submitted his reply to the returning officer for these elections, and Agnihotri said Team Sangma’s objection was “factually incorrect”. He said that he had received documents that proved that Mukherjee had quit the chairmanship of the ISI before he resigned as the country’s finance minister last week.
Last week Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Pawan Bansal had said that Mukherjee had resigned as ISI chairman on June 20. United Progressive Alliance (UPA) presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee met Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav here on Tuesday, and said he continues to enjoy the support of various political leaders in the race to Raisina Hill.
“I just now had a discussion with Samajwadi Party MLAs, leaders and MPs. Now, I am going to have a discussion with Congress and other alliance parties, and thereafter I will have a discussion with BSP MLAs, MPs and leaders. All of them have extended their support to me,” he said. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who also accompanied Mukherjee during his meeting with the Samajwadi Party (SP) leaders, has formed a committee to oversee his daylong Uttar Pradesh visit.
Pranab Mukherjee is pitted against former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma, who is supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the AIADMK. Mukherjee, who resigned as the finance minister to contest the presidential election, is all set to emerge victorious in the race to Raisina Hill.
His resignation brought an end to a distinguished 43-year-long political career. The presidential elections will be held on July 19. The vote count will take place on July 22. Pratibha Devisingh Patil’s term as President ends on July 24.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/ro-rejects-sangmas-demand-against-pranab/

Dimapur, July 2 NNN : The government of India has assured the Naga delegation that the former will hammer out an ‘honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga issue at an early date.’
The NSCN-IM and the government of India have been engaging in formal dialogue since 1997.
On Monday, the Naga Hoho said they had met the Opposition leader of the Lok Sabha and the ‘Naga negotiator’ in New Delhi during their trip in the national capital in the third week of June.
“In pursuance of the decision of the consultative meeting convened by the Naga Hoho on 8th May, 2012 at Kohima, a five member team led by Mr. Keviletuo Kiewhuo, President, Naga Hoho visited Delhi in the 3rd week of June, 2012 and met responsible authorities of the Government of India engaged with the Indo-Naga peace process, the opposition leader of the Lok Sabha and the Naga Negotiator to impress upon them the need to hammer out an honourable settlement of the Indo-Naga issue at an early date,” the Naga Hoho has said today.
It then claimed that the responses were positive and encouraging and the Naga Hoho was assured of the seriousness and sincerity for working out a settlement that is workable, honourable and sustainable at the earliest possible time.
The Naga Hoho team also had a consultative meeting with members of the Delhi Cell of the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights and the Naga Students Union Delhi to update them on the Delhi visit before returning to base.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/early-solution-of-naga-problem/

New Delhi, July 2 (ANI): Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Monday rubbished former Lok Sabha speaker and BJP-backed presidential contestant P. A. Sangma’s claims that UPA nominee Pranab Mukherjee is still the chairman of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).
“Pranab Mukherjee resigned from the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) on June 20,” said Bansal.
Sangma earlier today sought cancellation of Mukherjee’s nomination under the Office of Profit rules on the ground that he is still chairman of the ISI.
In a complaint to the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, V.K Agnihotri, who is the returning officer for the presidential election, Sangma’s lawyer, Satpal Jain, demanded that Mukherjee’s papers be cancelled at the scrutiny stage as he holds an office of profit.
Jain said that Mukherjee is chairperson of ISI and, hence, cannot contest the presidential poll under the Office of Profit rules.
Sangma, who filed his nomination papers for the presidential election had quit the NCP earlier on grounds that his self-respect was being compromised.
Sangma, who is the BJP backed contestant, was first picked as a contender for president by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/govt-backs-pranab-says-he-resigned-from-isi-on-june-20/