Tag: National

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 28 : Jitendra Singh MoS (Home) visited HQ IGAR (North) on 28 May 2012 to review the security situation and other related issues. The Minister landed at Kohima at 0830 hrs in the morning where he was received by IGAR (North) and accorded a traditional Naga welcome at the helipad.
During his visit the minister laid a wreath at the Kohima War Cemetery to pay the homage to the fallen brave soldiers. Then he visited Mon and the forward post at Lungwa to assess the operational preparedness, where he interacted with troops and joined the troops for a lunch.
In the evening the MoS (Home ) called on Neiphu Rio, CM Nagaland. A dinner in his honour was also organised at the IGAR officers‘ mess where during his thanksgiving speech he lauded the role being played by the Officers and men of Assam Rifles as Sentinels of the North East.
At the end of his visit, the MoS (Home) complimented all ranks of IGAR (North) for their tireless efforts and dedication. He also praised and complimented all the government officials, NGOs, Churches, Media personnel, GBs and other state officials for their dedication and excellent cooperation with the security forces towards ensuring a peaceful, safe and congenial atmosphere in the Nagaland state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mos-home-visits-igar-north/

Guwahati, May 28 NNN : A research on sparrows has revealed the bird, once common across the urban landscape, are vanishing from relatively greener parts of India such as Assam. The causes have been identified as electromagnetic radiation from communication towers, use of leaded petrol and extensive use of chemicals and pesticides in agriculture.
“The sparrows – both house and tree varieties – are becoming scarce, and this does not augur well for the environment,” Prabal Saikia, chief scientist of Regional Agriculture Research Centre, said from Lakhimpur town in north-eastern Assam.
Saikia said he conducted his research in six districts besides capital city Guwahati. “While the house sparrows are almost gone, the tree sparrows are surviving in sparsely populated area of eastern Assam,” he said, adding thatched houses and traditional attachment to the birds were responsible for the tiny birds flapping about in those areas.
The study is in the wake of a committee the Ministry of Environment and Forests had set up to study the possible impact of ‘radiation from communication towers on wildlife, birds and bees’. The committee is headed by Bombay Natural History Society director Asad Rahmani.
A similar study conducted by Punjab University said 50 foetuses of sparrows were spoilt within six minutes of exposure to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone towers. Radiation also led to sparrows losing their sense of direction, revealed the study.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mobile-phone-tower-radiation-killing-sparrows-in-assam/

Imphal. May 28 NNN : Creating history, Mohammad Ismat, a Muslim student of Manipur, topped the all India merit list of AISSCE – 2012 class – XII examination conducted by CBSE.
The terrible situation in the state which present disturbance of all kinds to the people, specially the student community, inspired him to top the class XII examination conducted by the Central Board of School Education, said Mohammad Ismat, s/o Mv Bashirur Rahman, Lilong Haoreibi Mayai Leikai, who is a primary teacher in a government school.
Coming from a middle class family, Ismat, whose mother died when he was just one year old, was looked after by his step mother with the help of his six elder sisters and wants to be a Physicist, but due to the condition of his family he has now decided to become an IAS officer by clearing the UPSC examination.
He studied up to class VII in a local school, class VIII in Kendra Vidyalaya, class IX & X in Sainik School and appeared his class XII examination from Zenith Academy, Sagaiprou, Airport road, Imphal.
His message to all the students is to work hard with a target in mind and success will be easily achievable. His advice is never to compromise with studies and to avoid being a street Romeo.
He said that he studied for 8 – 9 hours daily and secured 100 marks each in Mathematics, Chemistry, Home Science and Fine Arts, while securing 98 and 97 in English and Physics respectively, with a total percentage of 99.6%.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-boys-aissce-exam/

Guwahati, May 28 NNN : The steadfast stand of the Assam government over last year’s death of labourers in a tea estate in Assam as that of ‘natural deaths’ has been dismissed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today. The NHRC not only dismissed the Assam government’s version but has asked the latter to pay compensation to the kins of the victims.
After conducting thorough investigations by the NHRC it was found out that the labourers died of starvation and not otherwise as claimed by the government of Assam.
On Monday, the NHRC as the Tarun Gogoi government to compensate the victims.
Led by Justice KG Balakrishnan, a team of NHRC on Monday heard 50 cases pertaining to human rights violation. The rights commission managed to close 17 cases and then recommended Rs 17lakh a monetary relief in the case pertaining to starvation deaths in southern Assam’s Bhuban Valley Tea Estate last year.
Local rights bodies had attributed the death of 14 labourers to starvation induced by a prolonged lockout in the estate. However, a probe ordered by the Cachar district administration said the labourers died of natural causes.
“Of the 14, only one died of some disease while starvation and malnutrition led to the death of the others,” an NHRC spokesperson said. “We have asked the government to pay Rs 2lakh each to two tea garden workers and Rs 1lakh each to the dependents of 13 labourers who died due to starvation.”
Besides asking the state government to compensate the starvation victims, the NHRC also directed the former to find out whether or not the Tea Association of India has been distributing highly subsidized food grains smoothly to the workers.
Cases such as the reported eviction of 6,000 Adivasis by forest officials in western Assam’s Kokrajhar district, witch-hunting, the rehabilitation of children rendered orphans or destitute in communal riots in eastern Assam, illegal coal mining in eastern Assam’s Tinsukia district besides deaths in encounter and custody, denial of basic facilities to the residents of 22 villages in central Assam’s Kamrup district, witch-hunting and deprivation of source of livelihood to 300 families facing eviction.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nhrc-on-human-rights/

Aizawl, May 27 NNN : At the backdrop of the Hmar outfit accusing the Mizoram government of reluctant to implement the Memorandum of Settlement signed in 1994, Mizoram Home Minister R. Lalzirliana warns those elements who attempted to disturb the peaceful atmosphere of Mizoram and its people. He said that as Mizoram is the most peaceful state of India, therefore the state government wants that everyone should live without fear and should not support any insurgency-related activities.
He said this while gracing the inauguration programme of Keifang Venglai Hall.
R. Lalzirliana said that all the ‘Zo tribes’ (Zohnahthlak) coming from east, west, north, south, despite speaking different dialects, should not be mocked at for their peculiarities. “Those who intend to divide Mizoram should be fought back by everyone”, he warns.
“Good mannerism, chivalry, respect for elders, helping of the needy, and caring for the poor- who maintains all these are part of Mizo traditions,” the state home minister said.
“The Mizoram government would not support any demand of the creation of Autonomous District Council and other related demands; and the government does not have any will to give any Autonomous District Council in any constituency”, the Mizoram Home Minister said.
R.Lalzirliana further said that because of the act of a “few rascals” no one should be identified in terms of ethnicity. “However, regarding those who disturb the Mizoram government and its people, the government would no longer tolerate”, R. Lalzirliana said, adding, “As all the ‘Mizo tribes’ (Mizo hnahthlak) are brothers and sisters, to live peacefully is what the Mizoram government wants”.
Few days ago, the Hmar People’s Convention (HPC) General Headquarters, Sakawrdai Mizoram had alleged that the Mizoram government has been reluctant in implementing the Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed in 1994. The Hmar outfit then accused that the intervention of Young Mizo Association (YMA) recently in the HPC’s demand for Autonomous District Council under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, has been acting as disintegration force of the Mizos rather than unifying the community.
The HPC had also said that when Mizoram was given the status of Union Territory under Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Act, 1971 and North Eastern areas (Re-organisation) Act 1971, it had been deleted from Sixth Schedule Para 20, Part III since 29 April 1972. “It no longer was Tribal Area, which will be regretted in future, and the then Mizo leaders are responsible for this. The districts of Lai, Mara and Chakma are the only districts under the Sixth Schedule. All these districts are within Mizoram, and are still administered by the ministers and government officials, and they never separated themselves from Mizoram, nor can’t they do so. Likewise, the Hmar people have simply demanded the creation of Autonomous District Council, which will but safeguard the Mizos”, the HPC stated.
“After such long period from 1994, the Mizoram government is not fulfilling its promise, just because it doesn’t take steps to fulfill”, the HPC stated, adding that in comparison that, the Indian Government was very faithful as it fulfilled the MoS which it signed with the Mizo National Front (MNF) in 1986.
The HPC then accused the Young Mizo Association (YMA) of disintegrating the Mizos rather than uniting the the community. “The YMA is apprehensive that the creation of Autonomous District Council is threatening the Mizo integration,” the Hmar outfit had added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/do-not-disturb-peaceful-atmosphere-mizoram-hm/

New Delhi, May 27 (ANI): The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Sunday said India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Myanmar, and added that the two nations will consider new initiatives and define a roadmap for further development of cooperation in the years ahead.
Dr. Singh, who is visiting Myanmar from May 27 to 29 at the invitation of Myanmar President, said: “This will be my first visit to Myanmar. It will also be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Myanmar after a gap of 25 years.”
Dr. Singh, who begins a three-day visit to Myanmar beginning today in his departure statement said: “India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Myanmar, which is a close friend and neighbour. Recent years have witnessed significant strengthening and expansion of our bilateral relations.”
“My visit to Myanmar will provide an opportunity to review the progress in the implementation of decisions taken during the highly successful State Visit of the President of Myanmar to India in October last year. We will also consider new initiatives and define a roadmap for the further development of our cooperation in the years ahead,” he added.
Dr. Singh said stronger trade and investment links, development of border areas, improving connectivity between the two countries and building capacity and human resources are the areas that he hoped to focus on during his visit.
“ We also hope to sign a number of Agreements/MOUs to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation in these areas, besides promoting people-to-people contacts,” he added.
Asserting that India stands ready to share its democratic experiences with Myanmar, Dr. Singh said: “India welcomes Myanmar’s transition to democratic governance and the steps taken by the Government of Myanmar towards a more broad based and inclusive reconciliation process.”
Dr. Singh, who will hold talks with Myanmar President Thein Sein at Nay Pyi Taw on Monday, said India remains committed to a close, cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership.
with the Government and people of Myanmar.

The Prime Minister informed that he would also be meeting leader of the opposition and Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon.

“In Yangon, I will have an opportunity to meet Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I also look forward to addressing a cross-section of Myanmar society and interact with the Indian and Indian-origin community,” said Dr. Singh.

“Our shared history and culture provides a strong basis for the enhancement of contacts between the people of our two countries. I look forward to visiting the historic Shwedagon Pagoda, a testament to 2600 years of Buddhist heritage, and the Mazar of the last Emperor of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar, in Yangon,” he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/india-myanmar-to-define-roadmap-for-development-of-cooperation-pm/

New Delhi: Just before his retirement, Gen VK Singh has ratified a court martial’s decision to dismiss former military secretary Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash from service after he was found guilty by an Army court in the Sukna land scam case. The dismissal means that he will not get any benefits like pension and will not be entitled to use Army rank or any privilege attached with military service. Prakash is the senior-most officer to have been awarded this punishment by the Army.
The Army Chief confirmed the sentence awarded to the former Military Secretary by a General Court Martial (GCM) in December last year.
The decision was taken by Gen VK Singh on May 21, ten days before his retirement from service, sources told a news agency here.
Commenting on the development, Prakash said, “I am considering various options available under the service rules and legal remedies to protest against the decision taken by the Army Chief.”
In recent interviews, the Army Chief has also blamed the former Military Secretary for raking up the age issue by filing RTIs.
Prakash was held guilty of misusing his position under Section 45 (conduct unbecoming of his position as an officer) and Section 52 (intent to defraud) of the Army Act by the General Court Martial at 51 sub-area of the Army station at Narengi in Guwahati.
The court martial was conducted after Prakash was indicted by an Army court of inquiry in 2010 for his role in the illegal transfer of 71 acres of land adjacent to the Sukna military station near Siliguri in West Bengal to a private realtor for constructing an educational institution in 2008.
He is the third Lt Gen rank officer to have been punished in a corruption-related case.
Lt Gen SK Sahni was cashiered from service for his role in the ration scam and Lt Gen PK Rath was given a punishment in the Sukna case earlier.
While Prakash and Sahni were punished after their retirement, Rath was serving when he was indicted. The officer has now retired.
The Sukna land scam dates back to 2008 when the alleged move to transfer the land in Siliguri to a private educational trust came out in the open, leading to the Army initiating disciplinary proceedings against senior Army officials, including Prakash and Rath.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/coas-clears-lt-gen-avadesh-prakashs-dismissal/

New Delhi: Just before his retirement, Gen VK Singh has ratified a court martial’s decision to dismiss former military secretary Lt Gen Avadesh Prakash from service after he was found guilty by an Army court in the Sukna land scam case. The dismissal means that he will not get any benefits like pension and will not be entitled to use Army rank or any privilege attached with military service. Prakash is the senior-most officer to have been awarded this punishment by the Army.
The Army Chief confirmed the sentence awarded to the former Military Secretary by a General Court Martial (GCM) in December last year.
The decision was taken by Gen VK Singh on May 21, ten days before his retirement from service, sources told a news agency here.
Commenting on the development, Prakash said, “I am considering various options available under the service rules and legal remedies to protest against the decision taken by the Army Chief.”
In recent interviews, the Army Chief has also blamed the former Military Secretary for raking up the age issue by filing RTIs.
Prakash was held guilty of misusing his position under Section 45 (conduct unbecoming of his position as an officer) and Section 52 (intent to defraud) of the Army Act by the General Court Martial at 51 sub-area of the Army station at Narengi in Guwahati.
The court martial was conducted after Prakash was indicted by an Army court of inquiry in 2010 for his role in the illegal transfer of 71 acres of land adjacent to the Sukna military station near Siliguri in West Bengal to a private realtor for constructing an educational institution in 2008.
He is the third Lt Gen rank officer to have been punished in a corruption-related case.
Lt Gen SK Sahni was cashiered from service for his role in the ration scam and Lt Gen PK Rath was given a punishment in the Sukna case earlier.
While Prakash and Sahni were punished after their retirement, Rath was serving when he was indicted. The officer has now retired.
The Sukna land scam dates back to 2008 when the alleged move to transfer the land in Siliguri to a private educational trust came out in the open, leading to the Army initiating disciplinary proceedings against senior Army officials, including Prakash and Rath.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/coas-clears-lt-gen-avadesh-prakashs-dismissal/

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 25 : The 13′ session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) examined India’s human rights record in the afternoon on 24lh May 2012. According to reliable information from the United Nations HQ in Geneva, the repeal of AFSPA 1958 is has been put forward as one of the recommendations of the session by Slovakia, with Switzerland and France raising the issue of AFSPA and also making similar recommendations. The Swiss recommendation is also to review AFSPA as per the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1CCPR).
The final report for India will be adopted on the 30th May and the preliminary report is to be made available on 29 May. According to the CSCHR delegation presently attending the session in Geneva, the recommendation for repeal of AFSPA is likely to be retained in the final recommendation.
Other recommendations, with the key issues raised during the review, including call for ratification of the Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), the Convention on Enforced Disappearances (UNCED), protection of Human Rights Defenders, implementation of the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders in her visit to India (2011), Ratification of 1LO 169 on Indigenous Peoples (mae by Iraq), ratification of the Optional Protocol UNCRC, UNCEDAW, ICCPR, etc.
Permanent Representatives of many countries attending the session in Geneva took serious note of the trend of impunity to human rights violations and recommended to take prompt and effective measures to prosecute those involved in such violations (Spain, UK, US).
The 19-member high-powered India delegation led by Attorney General of India, Goolam E. VAHANVATl with Joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs. Women and Children, Planning, etc. made statements in response to the questions from member states. In total, 80 States participated in the discussion: 31 HRC members and 49 observers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/repeal-of-afspa-1958-among-recommendations-to-india-by-un-human-rights/

Mail News Service
Imphal, May 25 : The 13′ session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) examined India’s human rights record in the afternoon on 24lh May 2012. According to reliable information from the United Nations HQ in Geneva, the repeal of AFSPA 1958 is has been put forward as one of the recommendations of the session by Slovakia, with Switzerland and France raising the issue of AFSPA and also making similar recommendations. The Swiss recommendation is also to review AFSPA as per the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1CCPR).
The final report for India will be adopted on the 30th May and the preliminary report is to be made available on 29 May. According to the CSCHR delegation presently attending the session in Geneva, the recommendation for repeal of AFSPA is likely to be retained in the final recommendation.
Other recommendations, with the key issues raised during the review, including call for ratification of the Convention Against Torture (UNCAT), the Convention on Enforced Disappearances (UNCED), protection of Human Rights Defenders, implementation of the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders in her visit to India (2011), Ratification of 1LO 169 on Indigenous Peoples (mae by Iraq), ratification of the Optional Protocol UNCRC, UNCEDAW, ICCPR, etc.
Permanent Representatives of many countries attending the session in Geneva took serious note of the trend of impunity to human rights violations and recommended to take prompt and effective measures to prosecute those involved in such violations (Spain, UK, US).
The 19-member high-powered India delegation led by Attorney General of India, Goolam E. VAHANVATl with Joint Secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs. Women and Children, Planning, etc. made statements in response to the questions from member states. In total, 80 States participated in the discussion: 31 HRC members and 49 observers.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/repeal-of-afspa-1958-among-recommendations-to-india-by-un-human-rights/

Imphal. May 25 NNN : Goods made in the state of Karnataka were seized by students and burnt in the presence of media persons at a place in Imphal today, as part of the agitation against the neglect of the Congress government in Manipur to give pressure to concerned authorities regarding the suspicious death Loitam Richard.
The six students’ organizations AMSU, DESAM, MSF, KSA, SUK and SWAK are protesting the negligence of the state government to give pressure to the Karnataka government and the Indian government to allow the CBI to investigate into the murder of Richard Loitam.
Around 10 students are reported to have been arrested by Imphal city police while the students were conducting a drive in the two main market areas to seize goods made in Karnataka.
The students were successful in their mission as most of them return safely after the drive, though some of them were arrested by the police, said AMSU president Suresh.
He said that the six students’ organizations have been agitating in democratic ways from May 4 to demand proper investigation and justice regarding the suspicious deaths of two students from Manipur, Richard and Laaba, but the state government has been deaf to the demand of the students to take a pro-active role on behalf of the people of Manipur to demand the concerned governments to investigate the deaths of the two students who had died under suspicious circumstance, and even to hand over the case to the CBI if necessary.
But till now no appropriate action has been forthcoming from the side of the government, which has led the students to take the drastic step of seizing and burning of goods made in the states where the students had been killed, said the AMSU president, and added that such drives will continue till proper response from the side of the state government is visible.
Meanwhile, Manipuris based at Karnataka have expressed reservations about the decision of the students’ organizations to ban goods made in Karnataka in Manipur and entry of educational counselors from Karnataka in the state.
Some have described the decision as an immature decision while others have urged the students’ organizations not to mix up state affairs with an isolated case of murder. Some others have opined that it might cause negative impacts on the lives of Manipuri students and residents who are staying in Karnataka.
On the other hand, student leaders in Manipur have described it as a non-cooperation movement as well as a direct message to the Karnataka government to hand over the case of Richard Loitam to CBI for an impartial investigation and to accelerate the case at the earliest possible.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/students-burn-karnataka-products-to-protest-richard-laaba-killings/

Kohima, May 25: A one day workshop on Citizen Centric e-Governmenance was held at SIRD Auditorium, Kohima today.
Vikho-o Yhoshü, Advisor, Information Technology & Communications (IT&C), Government of Nagaland, inaugurated the workshop.
Delivering the his inaugural address, Sh Yhoshü said that the rising popularity of internet, widespread mobile access and the rapid take-up of social media tools mean that the governments will need to be more connected, innovative and more efficient in harnessing information and communication technologies (ICT) to deliver higher, more sustainable public value.
Providing an example of the power of social media, he said, “The news of dramatic operation in Abbottabad in Pakistan first broke out on twitter through a person who unwittingly twitted about the secret operation as it unfolded, before the news was officially delivered by US President Barack Obama hours later.”
He added, “The emergence of new information technologies calls for fundamental rethinking and transformable shifts in the way we look at e-governance. Government must take up the roles of a facilitator and enabler to collaborate with public, private and people in creating new solutions, new businesses and new wealth.”
Informing about the government’s efforts in reforming the service delivery, he said, “To accelerate the delivery of public services, the state government has implemented 25 reforms under the state portal and state service delivery gateway (SSDG) project.” He said that under IT policy the government has asked all departments to implement at least one government-to-citizen service. Slowly, but steadily, other mission mode projects, under the national e-governance plan (NeGP) such as treasury, police, public distribution system, commercial taxes are in the process of implementation, he added.
While delivering the keynote address, Sh Lalthara, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland, said that the government is always slow to reforms and resistant to innovation. To address this issue, NeGP is the right solution, which aims to upgrade working of the administrators, and reforms the service delivery system to benefit the citizens, he said.
Referring to the government personnel, he said that the societies are undergoing an ICT revolution and those who refuse to be a part of this, would be left out.
Pointing at leveraging the ICT sector for providing employment opportunities to the local youth, he said, “Providing employment is one of the biggest challenges that state government has been facing.
He also said that use of ICT in government leads to greater transparency. “Through e-governance, we can send files, electronically, and maintain records. The transparency thus achieved results in lesser corruption,” he said.
Sh K T Sukhalu, Commissioner & Secretary, IT & C department, Government of Nagaland, said that successful e-government is more than just deploying hardware and software. “Putting a PC on the desk and rolling out broadband doesn’t lead to better efficiency and higher productivity. It is when these investments are combined with good governance that we can not only achieve administrative efficiency but also make a positive impact on the lives of citizens.”
Elaborating on the implementation status of e-governance projects, he said, “The state has provided video conferencing facility in all the districts. Internet connectivity through WIMAX and optical fibre has been provided to 60 directorates in Kohima. The government has competed implementation of SDC. We have also set up 12 point of presence (POP) under SWAN.”
Talking about the challenges, he said that the lack of internal capacity to drive e-governance projects has been one of the biggest challenges. “As per the IT policy, each department had to constitute an IT task force under the chairmanship of heads of departments which will be responsible for implementation and monitoring of IT programme.”
“In this regard, the government is also considering creating a pool of IT professionals to form an IT-based cadre on the lines of treasury and accounts,” he said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nagaland-implements-25-reforms-under-state-portal-and-state-service-delivery-gateway/

GUWAHATI, May 21 NNN: Three leaders of the Manipur based militant outfit People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has come under the legal net of National Investigation Agency (NIA) for imparting training to the banned CPI (Maoist).
On Monday, the NIA has filed charge-sheet against the three PLA activists. Supplying the Maoists with arms and ammunition is also another reason for the legal move of NIA which was filed in the agency’s special court in Guwahati.
The three PLA leaders against whom charge-sheet was filed are N Dilip Singh alias Wangba, Senjam Dhiren Singh and Raghu and K Arnold Singh. Wangba is the PLA’s chief of external affairs department.
It can be noted here that On July 11, 2011 the investigating agency had registered a case against the Manipur based outfit. Investigations, an NIA officer claimed, established the outfit’s rapport with Maoists since June 2006. The NIA officer added, “The meetings between the PLA activists and Maoists resulted in the establishment of an office of PLA in Kolkata towards the end of 2006. This office coordinated the procurement of arms and ammunition and supplying them to the Maoists”.
According to the NIA charge-sheet, in 2008, top Maoist leaders met a PLA delegation led by its chief Irengbum Chaoren in a foreign country and inked a joint declaration for unified actions of waging war against India. The PLA subsequently struck a deal for supplying sophisticated weapons to the Maoists party in lieu of explosives, mainly ammonium nitrate, from the Red rebels.
According to the NIA officer, the Maoists have been sending money to PLA for arms, ammunition and communication devices occasionally. “The PLA’s Kolkata office played a crucial role in receiving money,” the NIA officer said, adding that the jigsaw pieces fell in place after the arrest of PLA cadre Arnold Singh alias Beacon – he was the PLA-Maoist linkman in Kolkata – from Siliguri last month.
Activists of both PLA and Maoists had met physically for taking delivery of the arms, ammunition and communication devices in order to avoid law enforcement agencies. The meetings were in various states including Delhi, West Bengal, Assam, Mizoram and Odisha besides Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, the NIA source said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nia-files-chargesheet-against-three-pla-leaders/

Guwahati, May 21 NNN : Venomous raids are underway in the Maoists hub of Assam these days.
Reports said so far as many as six villages have already been attacked by poisonous spiders in eastern Assam’s Sadiya area bordering Arunachal Pradesh with a species of unknown spiders believed to have found their way in from adjoining Myanmar. Sources said that these spiders normally attack villagers at night since May 8.
Acording to the reports received, a person identified as one Purnakanta Buragohain died from spider bites while at least 20 others are under treatment in Sadiya Civil Hospital.
Sadiya, 510km east of Guwahati, is considered the hub of Maoism in Assam. Earlier this month, police commandos killed four armed Maoists in an encounter.
“Venomous spiders were not known to have been found in these areas, but then the world of wildlife is constantly throwing up surprises,” said Tinsukia deputy commissioner SS Meenakshi Sundaram. He added that civil SDO Kishore Talukdar has been deputed to investigate.
According to health joint director PC Bhuyan, doctors have attributed Buragohain’s death to shock and allergic reaction to spider bites. “The health of the others is being monitored,” he said.
Villagers blamed the invasion of ‘alien’ arachnids to some kind of cosmic curse. “We have never before seen dark-coloured spiders swoop down in large numbers and at night,” said Pradip Chiring.
Entomologists said the description of the spiders fit the black or brown widow species belonging to the Latrodectus genus. “The deadly tarantula is found while the wolf spider and the funnel web spider are known to inject considerable doses of poison, though not fatal for humans.
These spiders are closer
to the black or brown widows,” said an insect specialist.

The Sadiya ‘web-spinning terrorists’, he added, could be the Latrodectus elegans variety of brown spiders
found in contiguous areas of Myanmar, China and Thailand. This spider has strong neurotoxic venom
known to be fatal for children.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/spiders-attack-guwahati-villagers/

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) May 20 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has sought further support from the European Union (EU) to facilitate fund flow from the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which are already funding all other north east Indian states, but not Arunachal Pradesh.
Interacting with an EU delegation led by its Ambassador Joao Cravinho here, Tuki said: “Arunachal is a virgin land, with 82 percent forest cover, and my government has adopted a priority policy to convert Jhum Land under unsustainable maize and paddy cultivation to productive green land by promoting horti-agri and allied cultivation like tea and rubber during 12th Five Year Plan to increase the forest cover to 90 percent. I will call on the Central Government soon to seek compensation for protecting and conserving the rich biodiversity since the Supreme Court banned forest activities in 1996.”
Highlighting the huge potential of Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Tuki said that though his government had submitted proposals as desired by Central Government, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, these had been rejected due to objections raised by China.
He said that Arunachal Pradesh had an annual budget of around Rs 3,000 crore, but was still hugely dependent on New Delhi for funding from external agencies.
Dwelling on the hydropower potential of the state, Tuki informed the EU delegation that the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri project, the 600 MW Kameng project and the 110 Pare project would be commissioned within the next two to three years to improve the power scenario.
Responding to a question from Ambassador Cravinho, Tuki informed that the proposed 1,554 Trans-Arunachal Highway, Tasigaon-Bhutan Road, the historic Stillwell Road were close to completion, while the airports at Pasighat, Tzu and Ziro were under renovation and would improve communication.
“We have sought a direct fixed wing air service with Kolkata from these airports,” he disclosed.
Poland’s Ambassador to India Pitor Klodkowski said that he was highly impressed by the first hand experience of the rich cultural mosaic of Arunachal and its inspiring natural beauty, and added that this would lay a strong foundation between the state and 34 other nations, including 27 European nations.
Endorsing Tuki’s views that the maiden visit of eight European diplomats was historic, Ambassador Klodkowski said support should be gathered to win over China in not opposing the flow from of development funds from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
“All us were taken in by your rich traditions and culture. Our hearts are filled with whatever we saw and heard. Hopefully, this will lay a strong foundation and we all will try to achieve it,” he told Tuki in front of a gathering. Ambassador Cravinho had earlier said: “The hospitality is very touching during this trip aimed at identifying potentials to strengthen our ties with India. This is the second visit after the visit of four diplomats to Assam and Meghalaya last year led by Czechoslovakia Ambassador Miloslav Staesk.”
He added: “This was a tremendous learning experience that has opened our eyes to tap Arunachal’s potential, particularly by the EU members, inhabited by people speaking 23 languages with diversity like this state.”
He also lauded the power point presentation on state’s investment potential by Planning Secretary Ankur Garg.
The ambassadors, including Borislav Kostov (Bulgaria), Janos Terenyi (Hungary), Terhi Hakala (Finland),
Marian Tomasik (Slovakia) and German charge-d-affairs Cord Meier-Klodt interacted with the chief minister in presence of Education Minister Bosiram Siram, Power (Electrical) Minister Tanga Byaling, Industries Minister Tapang Taloh, Parliamentary Secretaries T N Thongdok and Nabam Rebia, Principal Secretary Yeshi Tsering and special secretary and PPP director Sonam Chombey at the CM’s conference hall here.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/arunachal-cm-asks-eu-team-to-persuade-wb-adb-to-increase-fund-flow-for-ap/

Dimapur, May 20 NNN: The NSCN-IM has reminded New Delhi today not to toy around with the ongoing dialogue with the Naga outfit. The NSCN-IM also urged the government of India that all its official statements will be only from the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister or the govrnment of India’s Chief Interlocutor.
This statement of the NSCN-IM came after Shambhu Singh’s statement appeared in the media saying, “If we don’t take all three factions into account, no kind of agreement is going to succeed. It will be a futile exercise to reach an agreement with one group”
Irked by the Ministry of Home Affairs stand, NSCN-IM’s “kilo-Kilonser” (Home Minister) TT Among and convenor of Steering Committee Qhevihe Chisi Swu in a statement made available to Newmai News Network recalled the background that had formed the ongoing peace talks with New Delhi.
“It is pertinent to remind all that the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) came to the negotiating table when the government of India finally took the decision to go for a political settlement on the vexed Indo-Naga political conflict after having tasted the futility of going for military solution. The then Prime Minister of India P.V.Narasimha Rao had particularly chosen NSCN as the only potential partner to initiate talks on Naga political settlement.
Eventually ceasefire was declared on 1st August.1997 between the NSCN and the Government of India (Gol) to pave the way for political negotiation based on three principles that the talks to be held without pre-conditions; that talks to be held at the highest level and also that the talks to be held outside India in a third country”, the statement of the NSCN-IM leaders said.
Subsequent to that on July 11, 2002 the Gol recognized the “unique history and situation” of the Nagas. We consider that the decision was a conscious and realistic step taken by the Gol We have witnessed many ups and downs in the political negotiation but reached thus far and nearing 15 years. Today, NSCN is totally upset because after more than 14 years of political talks the government of India is showing a different color that is detrimental to solving the Naga issue on the basis of the understanding and commitment already given by the Gol, and it amounts to hitting the Nagas below the halt
After more than 80 rounds of talks the present stage of talks indicates that it has entered into a challenging situation where crucial decisions must be taken but it anpears that some elements in the government of India have started playing a divisive role. These divisive forces are over-activelv at work now and the government of India is seemingly abetting and assisting them by its inaction.
” All said and done, if the government of India is still serious about Indo-Naga talks it is imperative to make it clear whether it stands by various joint agreements signed with the NSCN and the commitments of its Prime Ministers including PV. Narashimha Rao to the NSCN leadership Isak Chishi Swu and Mr. Th. Muivah when he met them at Paris on June 12,
1995. In that meeting the PM of India proposed political dialogue to resolve the political problems. In response to his proposal the Leadership of the NSCN said: “Okay, Mr. Prime Minister why don’t you talk with Khaplang Group and NNC? We will not stand in the way, but we will not be a party to it”. The Prime Minister of India replied: “Why should I talk with them, the issue is not with them. The issue is with you. You have proved yourself The people are with you and so if we talk with you, we believe solution can be worked out. I will not talk with others,” the NSCN-IM said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/do-not-toy-with-the-peace-dialogue-nscn-im/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 20 : The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested a Deputy Commandant, Central Reserve Police Force, posted in Central Police Canteen [CPC], CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.One Lakh from the complainant.
A case was registered U/s 7 of PC Act 1988 against the Deputy Commandant, CRPF. It is alleged in the FIR that Deputy Commandant, CRPF had assured the complainant that the firms he is representing will be listed in CPC. As per his assurance, the firms represented by the complainant were listed in CPC and the Deputy Commandant was demanding a bribe of Rs One lakh from complainant for favouring the firms.
After registration of the case, CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs.One lakh from the complainant in New Delhi.
Search was conducted in the house of the accused. Cash Rs.3.20 Lakh (approx) was found along with other incriminating documents.
The arrested accused is being produced today in the Court at Patiala House, New Delhi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cbi-arrests-a-deputy-commandant-of-crpf/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 18 : Minister of State for Power , K.C.Venugopal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today informed that Bihar, Manipur have the lowest annual per capital power consumption in the country.
The all India national average is 778.63 is kwh . Bihar has 117.48 kwh while Manipur has 207.15 kwh. All the north eastern states have power consumption below the national average. Only Sikkim consumes 845.40 kwh which is above the national average.
He informed the House about the latest available state-wise annual per capita power consumption in the country for 2009-10 .
The steps taken by the Government to increase availability of power in the country which will in turn lead to enhancement in per-capita availability of power include (i) acceleration in generating capacity addition during the 11th Plan, new capacity of 54,964 MW was added, which is approximately 2.6 times the capacity addition of 21,180 MW achieved in the 10th Plan, (ii) rigorous monitoring of the on-going capacity addition programme, (iii) initiative for augmentation of domestic manufacturing capacity of power plant equipment, (iv) development of Ultra Mega Power Projects of 4000 MW each, (v) harnessing surplus captive power into the grid, (vi) Renovation, Modernization & Life Extension of old and inefficient generating units, (vii) development of an extensive network of high voltage transmission for transfer of power from surplus to deficit regions, etc he added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/manipur-bihar-have-lowest-power-consumption-venugopal/

Mail News Service
New Delhi, May 18 : Union Home Minister of India was urged by Justice for Loitam Richard to tackle hate crime in India
With due recognition of the multi racial composition and inter-racial issues prevalent in India. It was stated that the Government of India, as it officially strives to establish peace and order in order to defend a democratic parliamentary system in an atmosphere of the projected unity in diversity, must not fail to recognise multi racial composition of India and the phenomenon of racial discrimination as it exist distinctively amidst the myriads of socio-cultural discriminations prevalent in India.
It gave some points to reduce harassment of people from the region.
1. Examine the legislative and administrative measures that are in place, and the efficacy in practice and specific inadequacies to address the problems of violence and other forms of abuses faced by students, migrant workers (employees), job seekers and tourists from the NorthEast region residing/ visiting in other parts of India.
2. Recommend specific investigative and punitive steps under the existing law by an independent agency for the present and past cases/ incidences of crime including murder, assault, sexual abuse, rape, abuse or discrimination in institutions and workplaces committed against students, migrant workers (employees), job seekers and tourists from the NorthEast region residing/ visiting in other parts of India.
3. Recommend concrete steps to be taken by the ruling central and state governments to strengthen security measures to protect and promote the safety and personal security of students, migrant workers (employees), job seekers and tourists from the NorthEast region residing / visiting in other parts of the country.
4. Review the existing curricula of schools, colleges, higher institutions and technical institutions, universities including special institutions to train police and armed forces personnel in India with special attention to the inclusion of subjects about the history, culture and present situation of the communities of NorthEast region of India with a view to fill the large lacuna identified and enhance awareness and education about the region and its peoples among the young generations of India.
5. Monthly induction program on inter-racial and ethnic issues mandatory for all students and employees of the country so that they are educated and sensitised on these important issues. Such induction programs are mandatory in western countries thereby reinforcing that racism won’t be tolerated at all.
6. To initiate workshops/ symposiums on racial discrimination in India in every state for public to reinforce that racism won’t be tolerated at all.
7. Make mandatory policies for the media (TV, Radio, Newspaper, Magazine, Internet, etc) to circulate advertisements, documentaries and films that reflect the multi-cultural and multi-racial composition of India. They should acknowledge the issues face by people of NorthEast India and implement means to positively change people’s perception towards NorthEast people and thus avoid the stereotyping and prejudice and consequent crime as a result of it.
8. Make mandatory policies for the theatres/ cinema halls to show short documentary film to reflect the multi-cultural and multi-racial composition of India before they screen the main movie. Contemporary cinema and other media platform should be encouraged to reflect the diverse India and consider emphasising on NorthEast India and as such allow a positive change in people’s perception towards the NorthEast people.
9. Make mandatory policies for the Outdoor Media (banner, posters, hoardings, etc) to acknowledge and reflect NorthEast India and thereby allow a positive change of people’s perception to treat NorthEast people with respect and dignity.
10. The political leaders, actors, dignitaries, etc should be part of mandatory multidisciplinary team in the fight against hate crime and must conduct informed campaign to improve the effectiveness of the goal to tackle racism in India.
11. We have serious concerns of the mechanically superimposed Indian National Anthem which doesn’t reflect anything at all about the vast and vibrant NorthEast. Parliamentary level discussion should be done to discuss this matter.
12. Law against any racism/ discrimination, against any incitement to discrimination and against all forms of discrimination should be passed in the parliament, and should prove that racism won’t be tolerated at all in India. The stringent law is needed so that any racial stereotyping and prejudice can be held accountable and judicially restraint.
13. Special Police Cell with (24×7 service with Toll Free number from landline and all mobile operators) both male and female officers from NorthEast should be deployed in all states for the security of the NorthEast population.
14. Special Legal cell with both male and female officers from NorthEast should be installed in all states for the judicial protection of the NorthEast population.
15. Exchange programs and social clubs at school, college, university, and other social networking levels.
16. Adequate number of guest houses at subsidised and affordable rate for the NorthEast population in the prime locations in all the states with comfortable accommodation facilities and security guards, managed and run by the staffs from the NorthEast states.
17. Many other suggestions need to be sought from the NorthEast.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/stop-hate-crime-justice-for-richard-asks-hm/