Tag: World

The 7th round of India-Pakistan talks on Commercial and Economic Co-operation was held during 20-21 September 2012 at Islamabad between the Commerce Secretaries of India and Pakistan.
The Indian delegation was led by Mr. S R Rao, Commerce Secretary and Pakistan’s was led by Mr. Munir Qureshi, Secretary, Commerce. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the bilateral trade relationship, since last round of talks in New Delhi (14-16 November 2011). The bilateral meetings and discussions of the Trade and Commerce Ministers of both countries (September-2011, February-2012 and April-2012) provided a strong political impetus to enhanced economic engagement. The transition towards full normalization of trade relations with India was initiated by moving from a ‘positive list’ regime to a ‘negative list’ regime. Following the visit of Commerce Minister Shri Anand Sharma to Pakistan in February 2012, Pakistan side notified its negative list on 20th March 2012. The understanding at the previous Ministerial level talks has been that after approval by the Cabinet this negative list would be dismantled before the end of 2012.
The Commerce Secretaries reviewed with satisfaction that Commerce Ministers of India and Pakistan as well as the Chief Ministers of Punjab on either side of the border had jointly participated (April, 2012) in the Inauguration Ceremony of the new Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari. Commerce Secretaries appreciated that better trading opportunities provided through land route would enhance mutual prosperity of the business communities and consumers of both sides of the border. They however, noted that there is need to further strengthen infrastructure on both sides. They directed the customs and the port authorities to resolve all the issues through mutual cooperation, harmonization of customs procedures, provision of laboratory facilities, scanners, weigh bridges, cold houses, containerized services and automation of the business processes. For this purpose, meetings of the Customs Liason Border Committee would be held on monthly basis. CLBC would also explore the possibilities of organizing meetings between the relevant importers and exporters at Wagah-Attari border. It was decided that this Land Customs Station would operate seven days a week.
The need for more trade traffic to be carried through the Railways was emphasized. For this purpose, it was agreed that the Railway Ministries would hold joint coordination meetings on a monthly basis, at the appropriate levels. Issues on availability of sufficient number of rakes for interchange was also highlighted by the Pakistan Railways. It was noted that the earlier agreed provision of 3-4 interchanges a day has not been adhered to due to current trade patterns. A viable solution is to allow High Capacity Wagons (HCW) from Pakistan which carry three times more load than the regular wagons. The Indian Railways agreed that specifications already provided by the Pakistan Railways for HCW would be examined and conveyed accordingly within two months.
On exploring the possibilities of opening new land routes for trade, Pakistan side informed that a working group on Munabhao-Khokhrapar has been constituted. Indian side has already conveyed constitution of working group.
It was agreed that meeting of the JWG on Munabhao-Khokhrapar would be held in 4th week of October, 2012 at New Delhi. Both sides appreciated the recent signing (September, 2012) of the new liberalized bilateral visa regime. This fulfils a long pending demand of the business communities of both sides to ensure a better enabling environment for bilateral trade.
Pakistan side also appreciated the recent measures which have been taken by India to remove its earlier restrictions on inbound and outbound investments to Pakistan. Pakistan side sought clarifications from Indian authorities on investment through “Government Route” and its implications for investment by Pakistani investors in India. Both sides agreed to encourage two way investment and to enhance investor confidence on both sides, the procedures need to be simplified. It was also decided that outreach programmes may be held with the business communities on both sides, regarding the new investment opportunities, application procedures and regulatory issues.
On the issues relating to removal of Non-Tariff Barriers, Secretary Commerce Pakistan highlighted that certifications/ licensing/ lab testing/ are not the only NTBs but issues like delays in customs clearance, non availability of railway wagons for cargo transport, absence of direct flights or any problem which delays the clearance of goods with no end results or change, faced by importer/exporter is an NTB. He reiterated that concrete solutions of all such issues are crucial for ensuring market access in the Indian markets for Pakistani exporters.
Commerce Secretary India while noting the views expressed by Commerce Secretary Pakistan, emphasized the need for elimination of such NTBs on both sides. Both sides expressed satisfaction on signing of the three agreements i.e. Redressal of trade grievances agreement, Mutual Recognition Agreement and Customs Cooperation Agreement and directed the relevant authorities to frame rules and procedures to fully implement these agreements. These agreements are expected to substantially facilitate bilateral trade mechanisms. It was agreed that on the same pattern as Mutual Recognition Agreement between BIS and PSQCA, another agreement between Export Inspection Council of India (EIC) and PSQCA will be signed. Both sides have already exchanged the draft texts and it was agreed to complete the internal approvals before the next meeting of the Commerce Secretaries.
The JWG on Customs Matters has held one meeting in August 2011. In order to frame rules and procedures to implement the two agreements signed between the Customs Authorities, it was agreed that JWG on Customs would meet in the following month either at Karachi or Mumbai.
It was reiterated that the road map drawn in the earlier Ministerial meetings, for liberalized and preferential trade regimes would be scrupulously adhered to. Pakistan side informed that summary for removal of restrictions on trade through land route has been moved to the Cabinet and assured that decision to this effect is expected to be notified before end of October, 2012.

The Pakistan side expressed appreciation of the steps taken by India to reduce its SAFTA sensitive list by 30% from 878 tariff lines to 614 tariff lines as agreed earlier during the 6th Round of Talks. The Indian side explained that out of 264 tariff lines which have been removed from India’s SAFTA sensitive list, 155 tariff lines pertain to agricultural commodities and 106 tariff lines relate to textile items. To further deepen the preferential arrangements under SAFTA and to provide level playing field to Pakistani exporters in comparison to concessions allowed by India under SAFTA to rest of the countries in the SAARC region, both sides developed a long term plan. It was noted that Pakistan now has a total of 936 tariff lines at 6 digit under its SAFTA Sensitive List, as against 614 tariff lines at 6 digit of India. It was agreed that after Pakistan has notified its removal of all restrictions on trade by Wagah-Attari land route, the Indian side would bring down its SAFTA sensitive list by 30% before December, 2012 keeping in view Pakistan’s export interests . Pakistan would transition fully to MFN (non discriminatory) status for India by December 2012 as agreed earlier. India would thereafter bring down its SAFTA Sensitive List to 100 tariff lines at 6 digit level by April, 2013. As India notifies the reduced Sensitive List, Pakistan, after seeking approval of the Cabinet, will also simultaneously notify its dates of transition to bring down its SAFTA sensitive list to a maximum of 100 tariff lines at 6 digit level within next 5 years. The reductions shall be notified by Pakistan in equal measure for each year so as to complete reduction to 100 lines before end of 2017. Thus, before the end of 2017, both India and Pakistan would have no more than 100 (6 digit) tariff lines in their respective SAFTA sensitive lists.
Before the end of year 2020, except for this small number of tariff lines under respective SAFTA sensitive lists, the peak tariff rate for all other tariff lines would not be more than 5%.
The Commerce Secretaries also reviewed the progress on other issues such as enhanced trade for petroleum products, trade in power and reciprocal opening of Bank branches. Based on this review, the Commerce Secretaries exhorted the relevant stakeholders on both sides to speed up the mutual consultations so that concrete progress is achieved within the next six months. During this review, Indian side informed its willingness to consider export of gas up to 5 million cubic metres per day, for an initial period of five years. Pakistan side informed that India’s offer has been received and is under active consideration. BHEL (an Indian PSU) made an offer to cooperate with the Pakistan side in setting up 500 – 2000 MW capacity in coal/hydro or Gas power plants, as per their requirements.
Indian side indicated its willingness to cooperate with Pakistan in areas of wind and solar energy. Indian side also made an offer for meeting the requirements of Pakistan Railways for up to 100 locomotives.
Pakistan side emphasized the importance of taking SMEs along in this trade normalization process. It highlighted that sectors like surgical instruments, cutlery, fans, leather and marble products have a huge potential for trade. It was agreed that an institutional mechanism would be constituted to work out exhibitions of these products in India. Sharing of technology, skill development, training and collaboration in development of designs would also be encouraged. Cooperation in the manufacturing activities of the Gems and Jewellery sector would be actively encouraged.
As a part of this round of talks, representatives of the Civil Aviation Authorities of both the countries undertook discussions to ensure better air connectivity between New Delhi and Islamabad. It was noted that against an average of about 23 flights per week between New Delhi and other important national capitals of the SAARC countries, there is as yet no direct air connectivity between New Delhi and Islamabad. It was agreed that a Joint Working Group (JWG) would be formed before 15th November 2012, which would work out a more liberalized regime of reciprocal bilateral rights for commercial flights, to ensure economic viability of this air route. This JWG would also explore mechanisms for more efficient courier services.
The two sides noted with satisfaction the business-to-business contact which is steadily growing between both countries. Chambers of Commerce on either side have been supporting business delegations and trade issues in each other’s countries. This process would be supported and facilitated by the Commerce Ministries of both the countries, with the active support of the TDAP and ITPO. The Secretaries directed the two organizations to provide better guidance to chambers and business people on customs procedures, import regulations and how to organize exhibitions.
The Commerce Secretaries also noted the decision that was taken by the Commerce Ministers to form a Joint Business Council (JBC) as an additional institutional framework for regular and sustained dialogue between the business communities. Both sides agreed to exchange names of 10 prominent business persons from each country for this JBC within a month. The endeavour would be to have a first meeting of this JBC before December 2012 and its recommendations would be duly considered for taking forward the ongoing trade and investment dialogue. The JBC would, inter-alia, also explore measures for increasing other related activities between the people of both countries.
Preliminary discussions were also held on possibilities of better telecommunication linkages keeping in view the requirements of business communities on both sides for international roaming facilities. It was agreed that separate sub-groups on either side would take forward this dialogue. Commerce Secretaries would review thereafter.
Both sides also reviewed the earlier discussed possibilities of greater trade cooperation in sectors of agriculture and information technology. Relevant stake-holders would be encouraged to take forward economic cooperation in these areas. Cooperation for increasing cotton yield in Pakistan through trials of suitable Bt cotton seeds, would be given more focused attention
The Commerce Secretaries of both countries placed on record appreciation of their predecessors Dr. Rahul Khullar and Mr. Zafar Mahmood, who had very ably steered the trade dialogue from April 2011 onwards. It was resolved to further build upon the foundations laid by them to consolidate and enhance economic engagement.
The 8th round of talks would be scheduled to take place in India in April 2013. In the meantime co chairs of the JWG on economic and commercial cooperation, Joint Secretaries of Commerce, India and Pakistan would meet in December, 2012 at Islamabad.
The bilateral trade talks were conducted in a very cordial and positive atmosphere.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/economic-co-operation-between-india-and-pakistan/

China disputes the international Boundary between India and China. There is no commonly delineated ‘Line of Actual Control‘ (LAC) between the two countries. Both sides patrol up to their respective perceptions of LAC.
There has been no Chinese intrusion into our territory during the last three years. However, Chinese patrolling upto their perception of LAC are treated as transgressions. Such incidents of transgressions are taken up with the Chinese side through established mechanisms such as Hot Lines, Flag Meetings, Border Personnel Meetings and the newly established Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs.
Government is aware of the infrastructure development by China at the border and their undertaking infrastructure projects in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Government has conveyed its concerns to China about their activities in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and asked them to cease such activities.
Government is fully seized of the security imperatives of the country and reviews the threat perception from time to time as well as the need for developing requisite infrastructure in the border areas. Necessary steps, as required, have been initiated for ensuring that national security concerns are adequately addressed through development of infrastructure, including rails, roads and forward air fields, as well as operational capabilities of the Armed forces to secure the desired national security objectives.
Indian territory under occupation by China in Jammu & Kashmir since 1962 is approximately 38,000 sq. kms. In addition to this, under the so called China-Pakistan “Boundary Agreement” of 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq. kms. of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. In the eastern sector, China illegally claims approximately 90,000 sq. km. of Indian territory in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The two countries have appointed Special Representatives to explore from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship the framework for a boundary settlement.
This information was given by Minister of Defence AK Antony in a written reply to Radha Mohan Singh and others in Lok Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/chinese-activities-in-border-areas/

Washington, August 26 (ANI): Neil Armstrong’s family has given a statement regarding the death of the first man to walk on the moon. He was 82.
The former test pilot and NASA astronaut died following complications from heart-bypass surgery, which he underwent earlier this month.
“We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures,” his family said.
“Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
“Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati.
“He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits.
“As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life.
“While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.
“For those who may ask what they can do to honour Neil, we have a simple request. Honour his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink,” his family added.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/neil-armstrong-no-more/

India has signed Agreement on Trade in Goods under the broader framework of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprising Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. India has also signed bilateral CECA with Singapore and Malaysia.
During the year 2010-11 and 2011-12, export to ASEAN countries was US$ 25.628 billion and US$36.645 billion respectively. During the year 2010- 11 and 2011-12, import from ASEAN countries was US$ 30.608 billion and US$ 42.564 billion respectively.
Negotiations for Agreement on Trade in Services are currently underway and thirteen meetings of Working Group on Services have been held so far.
This information was given by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/services-agreement-with-asean-countries/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 20: The 46th Indo-Myanmar Border Liaison Meeting was held at HQ 57 Mountain Division under the aegis of HQ 3 Corps. A Fifteen member Myanmar delegation led by Brig Gen Ba Hla Aye- Cdr, AOC (72) arrived at HQ 57 Mountain Division on 16 Aug 2012 by road from Moreh, where they were received by Maj Gen Binoy Poonnen, VSM, Delegation Leader of Indian Army and other officers attending the meeting. The Indo-Myanmar Border Liaison Meet is a landmark event where representatives of both the Armies interact and coordinate border management issues. The event also gives an opportunity to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between both countries.
The meeting deliberated on steps to be taken to curb the activities of insurgent groups on both sides of the border and ways of strengthening the military cooperation between both the countries.
The Myanmar delegation also visited Kolkata and Gaya from 17Aug 12 to 19 Aug 2012. On 20 Aug 2012 the delegation departed for Myanmar via Moreh.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/46th-indo-myanmar-border-liaison-meeting/

Imphal, Aug 18 NNN: India’s Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said India will walk extra miles in order to maintain good relations with its neighbours.
Inaugurating an international conference on “India and Her Neighbours: Revisiting Relations With Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives”, Ranjan Mathai said,” India always gives higher priority to our neigbours.”
The two-day international conference hosted by Jadavpur Association of International Relations (JAIR) at Manipur University began yesterday participated by Daw Yin Yin Myint who is the director general of Training, Research and Foreign Language, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Myanmar, Mahhub Hassan Saleh who is the Deputy High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dasho Tsering Wangda, General Consul of the Royal Bhutanese Consulate, Kyaw Swe Tint, Consul General of Myanmay and Chandra Kumar Ghimire, Royal Nepalese Consulate General.
Addressing the gathering Ranjan Mathai, secretary, Ministry of External Affairs underlined the need to bring a stable and good neighbourly relations among India’s neighbours. He said,”SAARC has not achieved as much as we hope but we are giving our best effort in it.” The Foreign Secretary then stressed that besides the government’s good diplomatic relations among the neighbours, the people to people relationship is a must. “We need to understand more about each other,” Ranjan Mathai said.
The Foreign Secretary then elaborately highlighted the gains each neighbouring country enjoys. “About 40% of tourists in Nepal are from India and again, about 5 lakh citizens of Nepal got employment in India,” said Ranjan Maithai. Likewise, the Foreign Secretary also mentioned about Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and other neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, Jadavpur Association of International Relations (JAIR), the main organisation behind this event, said that the political scenario in South Asia involving India and her immediate neighbours has transmuted over the past decade. ‘Many of these small states have experienced wide ranging transformations in their domestic political, economic and social spheres. These shifts have, to a large extent, been oriented towards gradual democratization and economic liberalisation of the polity. The trajectory of these far reaching shifts has not been without event and have, in more instances than not been vibrant as well as volatile,” said the JAIR in a press communique. The JAIR then said that however, while these transformations have been extensive for the countries experiencing them, they found little place of interest in global politics due to the over reaching geo-strategic predominance of the larger neighbours such as China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. “Nevertheless, considering the need for India to engage and develop mutual relations with small states such as Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives, the international conference has been organised to deliberate and contribute to construct engagements with these states. The conference seeks to serve as a platform for reviewing and revisiting India’s role with respect to these nations. Such an engagement is also warranted by India for the realization of its objective of becoming a rising power and a regional leader,” state the JAIR note.
With its members of experts and practitioners specialising on South and South East Asia as well as domestic and foreign diplomats, the JAIR is poised to provide a forum for reflections and tangible inputs on the same,

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/india-wants-good-relations-with-neighbours-foreign-secy/

Mail News Service
Imphal, Aug 6 : The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has expressed shock and sadness at the loss of lives, and injuries, in a shooting incident at a Gurudwara in Wisconsin, USA.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the shooting incident that has resulted in the loss of precious lives and injuries to devotees attending a prayer service at a Gurudwara in Wisconsin, U.S.A.
That this senseless act of violence should be targeted at a place of religious worship is particularly painful. I send my deepest condolences to the families that have been bereaved in this incident. Our thoughts are with them in this moment of their grief. India stands in solidarity with all the peace-loving Americans who have condemned this violence. We welcome the U.S. President‘s statement on the tragic incident. We hope that the authorities will reach out to the grieving families and ensure conditions that such violent acts are not repeated in the future.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pms-statement-on-wisconsin-gurudwara-shooting/

The solidarity committee for Burma Democracy will organized a function of unveiling a statue of nobel laureate and democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at Social Science Studies centre, ward No. seven, Irawat Road, Moreh and 24th anniversary of 8888 Burma at the auditorium of Trade Centre, Moreh on August 8 at 9 a.m.
A.Balkrishna Sharma, L. Sotin Kumar, Sarat Salam, Kh. Santa, Kh. Gyaneshwar will be the presidium members.
The statue of the Kyi is sculptured by Soubam Nimai VP, Imphal Art College.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/statue-of-aung-san-suu-kyi/

Mail News Service
Imphal, July 29: A moderate earthquake has shaken central Myanmar near the Indian border. The tremor was felt at Manipur and the neighbouring states around 7.51 am. The U.S. Geological Survey says the quake had a magnitude of 5.7 and struck at a depth of 68.4 kilometres (42.5 miles). Myanmar’s meteorological and seismic agency put the magnitude at 5.8.
An official from the Myanmar agency says no casualties or damage have been reported. The quake occurred Sunday at 8:51 a.m. local time.
The official says the quake’s epicenter was about 215 kilometres (135 miles) northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city. He says it was felt in Hakha, the capital of northwestern Chin state. He spoke anonymously because he wasn’t authorized to release information.
The area affected is not densely populated. It falls within an earthquake belt where tremors are fairly common but usually not destructive.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/moderate-earthquake-shakes-manipur-myanmar/

New Delhi, July 5 (ANI): Pakistan on Thursday rejected renewed Indian charges that Pakistani ‘state actors’ were involved in the planning and coordination of the 2008 Mumbai terror strikes that claimed 166 lives, and instead, proposed a joint investigation against all 26/11 accused, including key handler Syed Zabiuddin alias Abu Jundal.
“I would very strongly reject any insinuation of any involvement of any state agency in acts of terrorism in India,” said Pakistani Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani at a joint press briefing held here along with his Indian counterpart Ranjan Mathai.
He claimed that Pakistan, over the years, has cooperated with India, and added that any gap left, would and could be addressed with more cooperation.
Without taking the name of Jundal, Jilani said: “The issue was extensively discussed, and I assured him (Mathai) that if the evidence will be shared with us, we will investigate into the matter.”
“I bring a message of goodwill, peace from the government and people of Pakistan. Terrorism is a common enemy for India and Pakistan. We are both victims of terrorism. We should not blame one another,” Jilani said earlier in his opening statement.
“We should intensify our cooperation in our fight against terror. We have certainly made a lot of progress on every issue including the issue of terrorism,” he added.Mathai, however, maintained that relevant information has been handed over to Pakistan, and added that New Delhi expected appropriate action to be taken by Islamabad.”Bringing the guilty in Mumbai attacks to justice is the biggest ‘confidence building measure,” Mathai said, adding that that the arrest and ongoing interrogation of Jundal has added urgency to bringing the perpetrators of 26/11 to justice.
Delhi Police arrested Jundal on his arrival from Saudi Arabia at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on June 21.He is in the custody of the Delhi Police Special Cell till July 5.
Jundal has admitted his active role in the 26/11 attack, saying he had worked in tandem with Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi.
Heconfessed his role in the country’s worst terror attack and admitted that he was present in the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) control room in Karachi from where direction was being to the 10 terrorists who carried out the strike in Mumbai.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pakistan-denies-role-of-state-actors-in-2611-strikes-but-offers-joint-probe/

New Delhi, July 1 (ANI): The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is reported to have given Sayed Zabiuddin alias Abu Jundal, a prize catch in 26/11 terror case, his first lessons in terrorism in Nepal.
Claiming to be indoctrinated after the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002, 30-year-old Jundal is reported to have told his interrogators that he was introduced to ‘jehad’ by Aslam Kashmiri, a resident of Hasplote in Thanamandi of Rajouri in Jammu region.
According to his interrogation report submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Zabiuddin said that four youths from Maharashtra and Gujarat were handed over to Aslam Kashmiri for exfiltration through Poonch region in 2004, but they were killed by Army raising suspicions about Kashmiri’s role.
Official sources said today Aslam Kashmiri again approached Zabiuddin and Fayaz Kagzi and asked them to accompany him for arms training but the killing of four youths had raised doubts that he could have been working for Army.
This prompted Aslam Kashmiri putting them through to LeT high command in Pakistan on phone as a proof about the genuineness that he was working for the terror group, Zabiuddin told his interrogators.
After this, Zabiuddin, a resident of Beed in Maharashtra, along with four people left for Nepal where they received training in arms and manufacturing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lashkar-gave-first-lessons-in-terrorism-to-jundal-in-nepal/

New Delhi, July 1 (ANI): The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is reported to have given Sayed Zabiuddin alias Abu Jundal, a prize catch in 26/11 terror case, his first lessons in terrorism in Nepal.
Claiming to be indoctrinated after the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat in 2002, 30-year-old Jundal is reported to have told his interrogators that he was introduced to ‘jehad’ by Aslam Kashmiri, a resident of Hasplote in Thanamandi of Rajouri in Jammu region.
According to his interrogation report submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Zabiuddin said that four youths from Maharashtra and Gujarat were handed over to Aslam Kashmiri for exfiltration through Poonch region in 2004, but they were killed by Army raising suspicions about Kashmiri’s role.
Official sources said today Aslam Kashmiri again approached Zabiuddin and Fayaz Kagzi and asked them to accompany him for arms training but the killing of four youths had raised doubts that he could have been working for Army.
This prompted Aslam Kashmiri putting them through to LeT high command in Pakistan on phone as a proof about the genuineness that he was working for the terror group, Zabiuddin told his interrogators.
After this, Zabiuddin, a resident of Beed in Maharashtra, along with four people left for Nepal where they received training in arms and manufacturing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/lashkar-gave-first-lessons-in-terrorism-to-jundal-in-nepal/

Geneva, June 26 : “Twenty-five years ago today, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment came into effect. Since then, 150 States have become party to the Convention.
In so doing, they have pledged to, among other things, criminalise the use of torture, train law enforcement officials on the absolute prohibition against torture and disallow the use of confessions extracted through torture in legal proceedings.
“In the past 25 years, we have made many gains in the fight against torture, and against impunity for torture. Torture is increasingly criminalised in the law books of states and police training curricula frequently incorporate the provisions of the Convention. Yet much remains to be done. The use of torture is far from over. Every day, the various UN bodies that deal with torture, including my Office, continue to receive harrowing reports of torture in detention, whether to force confessions or to intimidate those critical of the powers that be.
“The victims of torture are, more often than not, ordinary people who belong to already vulnerable sectors of society. Perhaps most shockingly of all, even children are not spared.
“On this UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, I call on all States to live up to the pledges they have made to prevent, prosecute and punish the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. As the Convention Against Torture states unequivocally, the use of torture is illegal, under any circumstances, with no exceptions. I call on all those States that have still not introduced laws that criminalise torture to do so urgently, and all those that already have such legislation to redouble their efforts to ensure it is fully implemented. There also needs to be a more concerted effort to provide victims and their families with the necessary support and reparations to alleviate, at least slightly, the profound and lasting damage that has been done to them.”

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/un-high-commissioner-for-human-rights-on-torture/

Moscow, June 10 (ANI): Russia will be burying the body of Soviet Union founder Vladimir Lenin after 88 years.
The revolutionary’s body is still on public display in a mausoleum on Moscow’s Red Square more than two decades after the break-up of the former USSR.
Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky said it was ‘absurd’ that Lenin had not been laid to rest 88 years after his death, the Daily Mail reports.
Calling for his burial in a normal grave, as Lenin himself had requested, Medinsky said: “Maybe something would change for the better in our lives then.”
The Bolshevik leader’s remains were embalmed on Stalin’s orders when he died aged 53 in 1924 and was kept on public display in Moscow all these years except for the period of the Second World War.
Putin has repeatedly postponed a decision on burial, arguing that Lenin remained an icon for many elderly Russians.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/russia-to-bury-lenins-embalmed-body-after-88-years/

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 7: The Action Committee on Tipaimukh (ACTIP), Citizens Concern for Dams and Development (CCDD), Centre for Organization Research and Education (CORE), and Forum for Indigenous Perspectives and Action (FIPA) have reliably learnt of the visiting team of 13 Bangladesh nationals led by Bangladesh External Affairs Publicity Wing Deputy Director Mohammad Zashimuddin invited by the Government of India to study and assess the effects of the multi-purpose hydro-electric Tipaimukh project at the tri-junction of Assam, Manipur and Mizoram.
While appreciating the visiting team from Bangladesh to study and assess the ground realities, what is clear is that the teams’ (including that of the previous Law Makers’) aerial survey of the site is guided hydro-power tourism by the government and the dam proponent. They inevitably will go back with stories that back the dam. What can be really learnt from a day’s token aerial flight over the dam site? An earnest assessment of the environment and social impacts of such hydro-power projects would take considerable time, including a study that encompasses the annual seasonal changes of the river, its catchment and downstream areas.
Moreover, we note once more the unfortunate absence of neither intimation nor any encouragement from the Government to also invite representatives from the States of Assam and Manipur that have the highest stake in the whole project to also study and assess the effects of the multi-purpose hydro-electric Tipaimukh project with full sanctions from the government. Far from doing just that, any attempt at such studies and assessments by the peoples have rather been often viewed suspiciously, if not negatively, by the government.
Indigenous and tribal peoples directly and indirectly to be affected by the project have been excluded in all the consultations and decision making processes. The few public meetings and hearings held by the authorities on this issue have been so far a farce, and ended in total failures with the trademark absence of transparency, accountability and inclusivity.
Groups who have been protesting against the dam for more than 15 years now are being sidelined while trying to appease Bangladesh. The present visit is not the first as other dignitaries from Bangladesh have also been airlifted to Tipaimukh in the past to ‘survey and assess’ the proposed project. While consent from Bangladesh is necessary, that too for the sake of India’s international image, the government must also get consent from the mentioned States and concerned grassroots indigenous peoples along with the organizations that represent them. Not doing this is a clear violation of both national and international laws and an unjustifiable act on the part of the Government of India in depriving the indigenous peoples of their rights to Self Determination, Participation and Free Prior and Informed Consent, negating every commitment to sustainable development.
We would like to underscore that ignoring the crucial linkages of a river’s upstream, midstream, and downstream flows can endanger not just the river, but human communities and ecology sustained by it. According to experts, a disregard of environmental flows, by construction of dams, has already harmed many rivers in the Western Ghats, giving rise to protracted political as well as environmental issues.
The unrelenting denial of the rights, roles and participation of the indigenous peoples and organizations in their development, future and the proper recognition of indigenous peoples and tribal peoples as custodians of their resources once more proves that politicians and government, no matter how democratic they may appear to be, never really cared for the peoples, especially the marginalized indigenous and tribal peoples even though welfare, inclusivity and participation are always their rhetoric in development and administration.
The people of Bangladesh and their present government must take a responsible decision at this juncture where their decision must not lead to India going ahead with the dam. The upstream population will also not jeopardize the life and future of Bangladesh.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/citizens-on-visit-of-bangladesh-team-to-tipaimukh/

New Delhi, May 31, 2012 – The UN Human Rights Council’s UPR Working Group adopted yesterday the draft report on India’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR). India’s UPR – a peer review process of the human rights record of all UN member states – took place on 24 May 2012 in Geneva, where India’s entire human rights record was examined thoroughly by other UN member states. The Government of India (GoI) oral response during the UPR session was marked by a general lack of acceptance of human rights challenges in the country and a mere reiteration of domestic laws, policies and Constitutional provisions by the Government of India (GoI). For more details, see Annex 1.
Eighty countries participated in India’s UPR and made a total of 169 recommendations on a whole range of critical human rights issues (see draft report at: http://www.wghr.org/pdf/A_HRC_WG.6_13_L.8_India.pdf). Recommendations made to India include: ratify promptly the UN Convention against Torture and the UN Convention on Enforced Disappearances; repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA); adopt the Prevention of Communal and Targeted Violence Bill; enact comprehensive reforms to address sexual violence and all acts of violence against women; improve human rights training of police officers; consider abolishing the death penalty or establish a moratium; ban all forms of child labour; strengthen efforts towards addressing maternal and child mortality; strengthen efforts to combat trafficking; and address the inequities based on rural-urban divide.
India declined to comment on any of these 169 recommendations at the HRC yesterday. GoI decided to examine all the recommendations back in the capital and respond to them prior to the plenary session of the HRC in Geneva in September 2012, where GoI will take a stand on which recommendations it accepts. According to Miloon Kothari, Convener of WGHR: “We look forward to a constructive response form the GoI as it formulates responses to the many useful suggestions that are contained in the document adopted by the UN on May 30, 2012. These responses from the GoI should be formulated after thorough consultations with the Parliament, human rights institutions, civil society .

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